College Library
The collections include 28,000 books and a range of other print and digital resources across all taught Cambridge courses. The Library is located in the historic Pepys building, in Second Court. The main entrance is on the ground floor of Right Cloister.
How we can support you
As part of a phased recovery of our Library service, from Tuesday 4 August we will be offering some limited, zero contact services to current Magdalene students, Fellows and staff that are resident in, or working in, College.
The New Library
Find out all about the New College Library, currently under construction and due to be completed by the end of 2020, the New Library will house our library holdings, create new, modern teaching and study spaces, and encompass a new Archive Centre and Art Gallery.
Library Resources
Users of the College Library have access to a wide variety of print and digital resources, including books, journals, and reference works. Our collection of over 28,000 books primarily supports undergraduate and taught graduates across all subjects.
Searching and Finding
Guidance on using our online catalogue to locate resources in the Library. To find books on the shelves you will need to make a note of the shelfmark, this section guides you through using the search catalogues and the location of resources for specific subject areas.
Borrowing and Renewing
Details of the College Library borrowing and renewals procedures. Students can have up to 10 items on loan at the same time, this includes books, DVDs and overnight loans. During full term loans are automatically renewed every 7 days until requested for return.
Library Map
The College Library collection is spread throughout the library. The Library map includes reference to the classification scheme to help you find the relevant section, as well as colour coding to match the shelf signage.
Studying in the Library
Find out how you can make the most of our study spaces and what the library rules are.The College Library is intended for academic study, in order to maintain a pleasant working environment all users are requested to observe the following rules.
Getting Support
The Library Team is available to support all students in making the best use of the library and its resources. The Deputy Librarian and Libraries Assistant are available in Right Cloister between 8.45am-1pm and 2-5pm on weekdays, or you may find them around the Library.
IT Resources and Printing
The College Library provides a variety of IT resources, including networked computers, photocopier, printers and a scanner. Eduroam wifi, part of a global academic wireless provision, is available throughout the Library.
Recommending Books
Users of the College Library are warmly encouraged to recommend books for purchase. Recommending books can be done either by filling in a book recommendation slip available from the Library or by emailing the details to the Library Team.
Welfare Section
Studying at university can be challenging, the Library holds resources on a range of welfare topics that are available for users to borrow confidentially and anonymously as and when they are needed.
Library FAQ
Can’t find the answers you need? This page lists the most frequently asked questions. The Deputy Librarian and Libraries Assistant are available on weekdays and are always happy to help!
Supporting the Library
Future Foundations - The Campaign for Magdalene is a five year campaign aiming to raise £25 million to secure undergraduate bursaries, support graduate students and early career Fellows, build a new College Library and restore the iconic Pepys Building.
Library History
The College Library was separated from the Old Library in 1960, and established in the Bradfield Room in the Pepys Building on the first floor of Right Cloister. The refitting was the gift of Sir Owen Morshead GCVO, a Fellow and former College Librarian.