About the library

The forerunner of the University, the Battersea Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1891 and began concentrating on science and technology from around 1920, teaching day and evening students for degrees of the University of London. One of the first institutions to be designated a 'college of advanced technology', it was renamed Battersea College of Technology in 1957 and shortly after a move to Guildford in 1966 the institution was granted its Royal Charter as the University of Surrey.

Library and Learning Services are based in the Library at the heart of the Stag Hill campus. Providing access to over 1,400 study spaces and a wide variety of silent, individual and collaborative areas, the Library also houses our Learning Development services, as well as our Open Research team. The Library has over 1 million visits a year. Our print collections are available over 3 floors and include materials to support the University’s teaching and research areas. We also have a wide range of e-books and subscriptions to e-journals to support the University community.

The Library is also home to the University of Surrey Archives and Special Collections. The collections include University’s own institutional archive dating back to the foundation of Battersea Polytechnic in 1891, the collections of the National Resource Centre for Dance, several collections related to renowned illustrator E H Shepard (Winnie-the-Pooh and The Wind in the Willows) and a range of other subject-specific collections. Collections are available to researchers, students and members of the public via our Research Room within the University Library and through our enquiry service. Anyone is welcome to visit the Archives. For more information, visit their webpage.

The local library catalogue is available online.

British Library inter-library loan codes

Library code

LO/U21

Policy code

H

For an explanation of these codes, and for more information on arranging inter-library loans, see the inter-library loans page on the British Library website.

Accessing materials

Can I see live document availability on Library Hub Discover? Yes.

Can I obtain items via inter-library loan? Yes - subject to the library's local lending policy. You must request an inter-library loan via a library of which you are a member. Talk to your own library staff for advice on ordering an item.

Can I visit the library to view materials? Yes - see the library's website for access details. If you wish to visit it is advisable to contact the library in advance, to ensure that they can accommodate you and that the material you need will be available.

Location

Browse all of University of Surrey records in Library Hub Discover here.