In 2011 SOAS Library was designated by HEFCE as one of only five National Research Libraries in the UK, and as such receives direct funding to support UK higher education research in Asian, African and Middle Eastern studies.
Approx. 1.3 million printed volumes with the majority of the collections available on open shelves for SOAS students, staff and visitors to consult. Some lesser-used stock is stored off-site and is retrievable on request.
In its role as research library for the School and as UK National Research Library for Asian, African and Middle Eastern studies, the Library’s policy is to develop the research collections, building on existing strengths and developing new ones.
The Library continues to collect materials in the languages of Asia, Africa and the Middle East and European-language materials relating to those regions, however, increasingly collections on more global concepts such as migration and diaspora, gender, food studies, film and media, financial management, and international politics and diplomacy are being developed, to support the broadening teaching and research interests of the School.
Multiple copies of key course readings are acquired to support taught course students along with an extensive collection of e-books, e-journals and research databases.
Library collections are supported by robust access and inter-lending agreements with other research libraries.
The 2010/11 session saw Phase One of a Library Transformation Project - a major refurbishment that resulted in a bright, welcoming and more accessible space with new language laboratories, group study rooms, an IT suite and other facilities. Further funding is sought to transform the upper floors of the Library.