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 Level 8 to quiet study.

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

Due to essential maintenance, Main Library will close at 6pm on Saturday 23 March and reopen at 7am on Sunday 24 March.

Save time finding somewhere to study

  • UNSW students can Book a space to reserve a variety of study spaces for collaborative or individual study on Levels 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8.
  • In real time, check how many individual desks are available on Level 6 and in the postgraduate study space on Level 4. Find them with the desk availability maps (also shown on a monitor on entry to the relevant floor or study space).
  • Desks and computers in postgraduate study space showing as available may have a booking. If a space is free you can check or book it on the spot using the QR code.

View desks on the postgraduate study space map.

View desks on the Level 6 map.


Help Zone

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 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

You can borrow/return items using the self-check machines near the Help Zone on Level 2. Return loans via the yellow return chute located near the Help Zone. An additional 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.

Pick up interlibrary loans and requested items in the High Use Collection room.

High Use Collection

The High Use Collection room is located near the Help Zone on Level 2. Borrow and return short loan items 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.


Study rooms

UNSW students can Book a space to reserve collaborative study spaces on Level 2, 3, 4 and 8.

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. Check individual room details when booking for current capacity, specific furniture and equipment availability.


Computers

Computers are available throughout the Library.

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.


Level 2 study lounges

You will find a range of individual and collaborative study choices with Wi-Fi available, study rooms, computers and printers. 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. Hot water is available in the rear kitchenette. For more information see Food in the Library.


Print/Copy services

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

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


Facilities

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 the Library collection computers on each level
  • Lifts and stairs to all Library levels
  • Library Help Point phone near lift foyer on each level (except Level 2)
  • 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 are located in the lift foyer on each level
  • Snack vending machines are located at the Library entrance on Level 2
  • Batteries and mobile phones recycling box near the entrance on Level 2 

Postgraduate study space

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.

Book a space to reserve study spaces including desktop computers. 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.

In real time, see how many individual desks are available for use with the desk availability map (also shown on a monitor at main entry to the study space). Desks and computers showing as available may have a booking. If a bookable desk or computer is free, you can check or book it on the spot using the QR code.


Assistive technology centre

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

Borrow a laptop

Did you know you can borrow a laptop for up to 4 hours at a time with your UNSW ID card?

Laptops are available for loan from Main, Law and Paddington libraries.