Main Library

Located in the Kensington campus, Main Library offers space for independent study and reading as well as facilities for group work. Main Library holds collections in the fields of arts & social sciences, built environment, business, engineering, medicine and science.

The Help Zone is located inside the Library entrance.

• Visit us for face-to-face assistance with your enquiries during staffed hours.
• Search for items via the Library collection computer.
• Borrow and return items.
• Pick up requested items and interlibrary loans from the Request pickups lockers.
• 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. Find our collection of items for Leisure reading on Level 3 in the Retreat space. For more information see the Main Library's collection range.

Search for items via the Library collection computers found on each level. Find Library Help Point phones near lift foyer on Levels 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 to call for help with collection items.

You can borrow/return items using the self-check machines near the Help Zone and lift foyer on Level 2. You can also use the self-check machine near the Retreat space on Level 3 to borrow items.

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.

Pickup location for requests

Pick up interlibrary loans and requested items from the Request pickups lockers located near the Help Zone on Level 2.

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

UNSW students can reserve desks and collaborative spaces with the study space bookings. If a space is not in use, you can check or book it on the spot using the QR code.

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Dedicated areas

The Library is for everyone. Remember to keep your noise level to a minimum.

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Computers

Use one of the Library computers, borrow a laptop or connect to Wi-Fi with your own device.

• Computers are available on Level 2, 3 and 4 and in the lift foyers throughout the Library.
• On Level 4, UNSW students can reserve a desktop computer.
• UNSW students can loan laptops from a self-service loan locker at the Main Library Help Zone.
• Desks with only a monitor are available in designated computer areas on Level 3 - connect your laptop to these specific monitors with the attached HDMI cable.

For UNSW student and staff Wi-Fi access, UNSW Wireless Network (eduroam) is available throughout the Library for use with personal devices. University visitors may use their personal device to access eduroam (for participating institutions) or the UNSW guest Wi-Fi service. For more information see UNSW Wireless Network.

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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.
• Water bubblers located in the lift foyer on each level.
• Snack vending machines located at the Library entrance on Level 2.

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.

Find your study escape with Leisure reads. Browse our curated collection of popular titles. Borrow a book to take home or find a cosy spot to relax and read.

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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.

Find out about reserving spaces in the postgraduate study space with the study space bookings. 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. For information on charges see UNSW IT Printing.

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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

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

• 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
• Lifts and stairs to all Library levels
• Stairs to UNSW Archives on Level 1 (appointment required)
• 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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