Main Library

Main Library is located in Kensington and offers access to a wide range of materials, both print and online in the fields of arts & social sciences, built environment, business, engineering, medicine and science. See Main Library collection range for more information. Locate our facilities on the building maps with the mobile directory for Main Library and Law Library.

sshhh Levels 6 & 7 are dedicated to silent study and Levels 5 & 8 have areas for quiet study (Level 5 except when event in progress).

Save time finding somewhere to study by checking for desk availability on Levels 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 of the Main Library.

Help Zone: +61 2 9065 9444

Postal address: Main Library, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia

UNSW Sydney map (Kensington campus) - Library Lawn reference F21

Today's hours

The Help Zone is located inside the Library entrance.

• Visit us during staffed hours for assistance with your enquiries
• Borrow and return items
• Pick up interlibrary loans
• Pick up DVD and other requested items
• Search for items via the Library collection computer
• Add credit to your UNSW ID card at recharge kiosks
• Borrow laptops from self-service loan lockers

Borrow and return items

Main Library collection items are housed on Levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8. See Main Library's collection range for more information.

You can borrow/return items using the self-check machines near the Help Zone and lift foyer on Level 2. Return loans via the yellow return chute located near the Help Zone. The after hours return chute is open 24hrs a day and located at the back of the Library near Tutorial rooms 176A & 176B. Locate this on building maps with the mobile directory for Main Library and Law Library.

High Use Collection room

Pick up interlibrary loans and requested items in the High Use Collection room located near the Help Zone on Level 2.

Borrow and return short loans using the self-check machine in the High Use Collection room. Late return of these items will incur fines.

Music

A collection of music CDs can be found on Level 3 near the front stairs. CDs can be borrowed and used on a Library computer or personal device. Headphones can be borrowed from the Help Zone.

Maps

Map collection is located on Level 3. For assistance, ask at the Help Zone. A light table is available for viewing maps. Find out more information on finding print and online maps.

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Find a variety of sofas, reading chairs, single and collaborative desks available on all levels.

• Some height-adjustable desks are available on Levels 3, 4, 6 and 7.
• UNSW students can Book a space to reserve desks on Levels 4 and 7 including height-adjustable desks.
  
• Desk availability maps let you find unoccupied individual desks in designated areas on Levels 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7 - real-time maps also display in the relevant study space.
• Some bookable desks and computers showing as available may have a booking - check or book on the spot using the QR code.

Study rooms

UNSW students can Book a space to reserve collaborative study spaces on Level 2, 3, 4 and 8. If a space is not in use, you can check or book it on the spot using the QR code. Check individual room details when booking for current capacity, specific furniture and equipment availability.

• Study rooms available on Levels 2, 3 & 4 and are equipped with LCD screens and whiteboards.
• Media booths available on Level 3 are equipped with an LCD screen and DVD/video player for viewing DVD and other multimedia from Library collection.
• Study pods available on Level 8.

Computers

Computers are available on Level 2, 3 and 4 and in the lift foyers throughout the Library. In designated computer areas (Level 3), find some desks with only a monitor. Connect your laptop to these specific monitors with the attached HDMI cable.

UNSW students can borrow laptops from a self-service loan locker at the Main Library Help Zone or Book a space to reserve a desktop computer on Level 4.

For UNSW student and staff Wi-Fi access, UNSW Wireless Network (UniWide) is available throughout the Library for use with loan laptops or personal devices. University visitors may use their personal device to access the UNSW guest Wi-Fi service.

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Study lounges

You will find a range of individual and collaborative study choices in the dedicated Library study lounges on Levels 2 and 4. Some collaborative areas contain high tables and chairs.

Designated eating areas which include a microwave are available in the front study lounge and in the rear study lounge's kitchenette on Level 2. Hot water is available in the rear kitchenette. For more information see Food in the Library.

Retreat space

You can also relax and unwind in the Retreat space on Level 3 complete with bean bags. Switch your phones off in this digital detox space. Enjoy mindfulness activities including puzzles, games and colouring-in.

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For postgraduate students only, this space on Level 4 is open during Main Library opening hours and accessed by swiping your UNSW ID card. You will find a range of individual and collaborative study choices with study desks, computers, printers, device charging lockers and a designated eating area including kitchenette and microwave. For more information see Food in the Library.

In real time, check the number of unoccupied individual desks and find them in the postgraduate study space by viewing the desk availability. A map is also shown on a screen at main entry to the study space. Some desks and computers showing as available may have an existing booking.

Book a space to reserve study spaces in the postgraduate study space. If a bookable space is not in use, you can check or book it on the spot using the QR code.

• Desktop computers
• Desks
• Height-adjustable desks
• Study rooms

Study rooms are equipped with whiteboards and two rooms with LCD screens. Check individual room details when booking for current capacity, specific furniture and equipment availability.

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Print/copy/scanners are available throughout the Library at the Print/Copy stations.

Help phones are located at the Print/Copy stations on Levels 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 for print copy scan enquiries. Further assistance is available at the Print/Copy Services desk on Level 2.

Add credit to your UNSW ID card at any campus recharge kiosk, the Help Zone, Print/Copy Services desk or pay online. See UNSW IT Printing for charges.

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Toilets

• Male toilets are located on Levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7
• Female toilets are located on Levels 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8
• An ambulant toilet cubicle available on most levels
• Accessible unisex toilets with baby change tables on Levels 2, 3 and 4

Whiteboards

• Whiteboards are located in collaborative study areas on Levels 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 and in most study rooms

Device charging

• Personal tablet and mobile device charging lockers on Level 2 and 3
  
• Personal tablet and mobile device charging lockers in the Postgraduate study space on Level 4

Also in this Library

• Search for items via the Library collection computers on each level
• Lifts and stairs to all Library levels
• Library Help Point phone near lift foyer on Levels 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 for help with collection items
• Stairs to UNSW Archives on Level 1 (appointment required)
• UNSW Security Help Point intercom located in the lift foyer on each level, student study space entrance on Level 2 and in the Postgraduate study space on Level 4
• Water bubblers located in the lift foyer on each level
• Snack vending machines located at the Library entrance on Level 2
• Batteries and mobile phones recycling box near the entrance on Level 2 

Assistive technology centre

The Assistive technology centre is located in room 207, on Level 2. Register to use this room with Equitable Learning Services.

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