Scott Polar Research Institute
Visiting the library
From Monday 19th July, all students and staff of the University of Cambridge, the wider polar community, and anybody wishing to know more about the polar regions will be able to book a study space to browse the shelves and consult items from the library collection. Spaces must be reserved online in advance.
All members of the University of Cambridge may request scans of Polar Library material using the Scan and Deliver form, and members of SPRI can collect books using our zero-contact borrowing service. Please email us your requests.
Many Polar Library resources are available online and we will continue to answer remote research enquiries by email as best we can.
Who can use the library?
The library is open to all students and staff of the University of Cambridge, the wider polar community and anybody wishing to know more about the polar regions.
You must book an appointment before your visit. Slots are released two weeks in advance, and there is a waiting list enabled once all slots are booked. To be added to the waiting list, click the 'Begin registration' button. If you cannot keep your booking, please use the link in your booking confirmation email to cancel your place and enable somebody else to use it.
For academic visitors planning a longer stay, please write in the first instance to the Director of SPRI to apply for Visiting Scholar status.
Opening hours
The library is currently open for visitors from 10:00 – 13:00, Monday – Friday.
We are closed in the period between Christmas and New Year and on bank holidays.
Access
Step-free access into the Institute is available using the entrance at the side of the building next to the car park. There is lift access to library space on the first and second floors of the building. We will always consider ways that we can best serve any library user so please contact us if you have any special requirements or about how we can make your visit more enjoyable.