College Library
The College Library Service is currently closed in preparation for moving into The New Library building in Lent term. Due to National Lockdown (from 4 January 2021) plans for reopening the library service are under review. We expect that non-contact services, in particular the Request and Collect service, will operate as planned from Tuesday 19 January. Details of non-contact services and any further phased reopening of the Library will be communicated to College Members.
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
The College Library Service is closed in preparation for moving into The New Library. Due to the National Lockdown plans for reopening the library service are under review. We expect that non-contact services, in particular the Request and Collect service, will operate as planned.
Library Induction
Key information about the College Library and key resources for new starters.
Request and Collect
Request and collect books from the College Library. This service will enable you to request to borrow Magdalene College Library book(s). The service is for current Magdalene students, Fellows and staff.
Returning Books
College Library books can be returned to the box outside the College Library (under the Cloisters) between 10am and 4pm, to the box in Ramsay Hall (8am to 12pm) or to the box in the Plodge. Staff will empty these at intervals during the day.
Book a Study Space
Information on booking a slot to study in the College Library.
Book a Browsing Slot
Information on booking a slot to browse and borrow in the College 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.
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 Floorplan
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.
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!
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.
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.