LATEST INFORMATION FOR THE WOLFSON LIBRARY - UPDATED 19/07/21
Library Access
The Wolfson Library is open 24/7.
- Hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes have been provided throughout the Library.
- Maintain social distancing of 1m+. You do not have to wear face coverings when seated at a desk, provided the space is well-ventilated and it is possible to maintain a social distance of 1 m+.
- Please wear a face covering in places where other College members cannot move away (when browsing shelves near occupied desks), whenever social distancing cannot be maintained, and if someone asks when you meet them.
- Please don’t move the chairs around. They have been placed so that no two students sit back-to-back. This is for your safety and that of others.
- We need to maintain ventilation in the rooms by keeping the windows open. If it is a cool day, please bring an extra layer to wear.
- You can eat snacks in the Library as long as it in keeping with previous guidelines: nothing messy, with a strong smell, or hot. We strongly encourage you not to eat a meal at your desk but to take a break from the Library instead.
Returning Books
Requests were turned off on 15 June. After that date books you have on loan can't be requested & will auto-renew. Likewise, you won't be able to request books from others. If you need a book during the vacation that's on loan to someone else, please get in touch.
If you are in Cambridge: the Wolfson book returns box is in the foyer, near the entrance of the Library. For non-Wolfson books, please use the book-drop boxes in front of the University Library or on the Sidgwick site (near the English Faculty and Lady Margaret Hall).
If you are not in Cambridge: If you are not finishing your degree this summer, then please just bring your books back when you return to college. However, if you are if you graduating this summer you must return your books before Congregation. Please leave in, or by, the drop box in the foyer or get in touch if you are not in living in Cambridge. The University Library, Faculty and Departmental Libraries have their own systems for returning books.
Borrowing
If you are resident in Cambridge, you can borrow from Wolfson Library. Alternatively, you can use Wolfson's Request and Collect for up to 5 books per day. Many other libraries are offering similar services such as the University Library and Faculty and Departmental Libraries. As recalls have been turned off for the vacation, if you require a book that is on loan to someone else, please see if there is an e-copy available. If you need a small section of the book, you can request it from the Scan and Deliver service, run by the University Library.
If you are not resident in Cambridge, please check our extensive range of resources either by title in iDiscover or by browsing the A-Z database listing. There is a really useful e-books LibGuide if you need further support with them, or get in touch if you have any questions.
In Quarantine or Self-isolation?
The Wolfson library has services to help you through your quarantine period including book delivery and loans of jigsaw puzzles (we also have a number of online jigsaw puzzles too). Please see the guidance for students who must quarantine for more details.
The Building and Its Benefactor
The Lee Seng Tee Library (Lee Library) was opened in 1994, a gift from Mr Lee Seng Tee of Singapore, a major benefactor of the College. It was designed by architects Brewer, Smith and Brewer, and particular objects of interest on each floor include:
- On the ground floor foyer a scale model of the armillary sphere on the roof of the Peking Observatory
- In the basement a bookbinder's press with a distinctive triskelion lever, in use at a Cambridge bookbindery until 1982
- On the first floor, a bust of Tan Sri Dr Lee Kong Chian, father of the benefactor.
The Sir David Williams Room (SDWR) is a study space on the ground floor of the Library named in honour of the College's former President, the late Sir David Williams (Wolfson President, 1980-1993).
The Gordon Johnson Room (GJR), opposite the SDWR on the ground floor of the Library, houses the College's computers on the University MCS network. Dr Johnson was Wolfson President from 1993-2010.
Over the years, donations have helped the Library acquire essential books and journals to support our students' education. You can join our community of supporters by making a gift to the Library through our Annual Giving Campaign - on the donation form, please choose 'Other' and specify 'Library'. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with our Development Office.