The Casimir Lewy Library supports philosophy teaching, learning and research within the faculty and the wider university.
In this guide you'll find the information you need to find your way around and to start using the print and electronic books, journals and other resources that are available to you.
A good place to start learning how Cambridge University Libraries work, is reading the Library Essentials LibGuide.
Cambridge University Libraries provide a huge variety of spaces to work in. To find somewhere in libraries and beyond that suits the way you like to work, check out Spacefinder. Also see the Libraries Directory for information about individual libraries.
If you have any questions, or would like to get in touch with a member of the library team, see our 'Contacting your Philosophy Library team' page.
For a visual tour of finding the library, and the accessible route, see our 'Finding the Philosophy Library' Sway.
To look around the library space, find out how the library works and what we can do for you, see the Philosophy Library 2024 Virtual Tour.
Where is the library and how do I find it?
The Philosophy Library is located on the second floor of the Raised Faculty Building on the Sidgwick site.
The nearest entrance to the Raised Faculty Building is opposite Lady Mitchell Hall. Take the stairs to the second floor and turn right for the main library entrance.
For step-free access, please use the main ground floor entrance to the Raised Faculty Building, and take the lift to the third floor. Go through the doors in front of you and turn left into the corridor. Follow the corridor until you reach the next stairwell. Cross the landing to reach the Faculty of Philosophy and go through to the 'Old library' social space. A lift is available there down to the library on the second floor. The library entrance will be immediately in front of you. Please press the call button for entry.
Please see the AccessAble guide for the Raised Faculty Building for further details.
Who can I ask if I need help?
Your Library team are here to help. The library is staffed in-person and online during opening hours, so there will usually be somebody around if you have a question. For more information about us and on how to get in touch, see our 'Contact the Philosophy Library Team' page.
Where are the toilets?
The Philosophy Library is in the Raised Faculty Building, which is a bit of a maze. Because of this, we have produced a video on how to get to the nearest toilets. (embed if you are able to upload to YouTube).
The nearest toilets are in the next stairwell. Exit the library and take the stairs or lift to the first floor. Follow the corridor along and go through the double doors to enter the next stairwell. The men's toilets are on the first floor and the women's toilets are on the second floor.
Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor at the main entrance to the Raised Faculty Building and on the third floor.
You can find a gender-neutral toilet at the back of the Philosophy Postgraduate Centre, which is on the third floor.
Can I bring food or drink into the library?
To help us maintain a clean and pleasant study environment, please enjoy your snacks and lunches in the Old Library social space on the third floor.
You are welcome to bring drinks into the library, but to minimise spills, please ensure all drinks have a lid. Cleaning materials are available for you to clean up any accidental spillages.
What are the rules?
See above regarding food and drink.
The main reading room is a quiet study space. To avoid disturbing others, please take short conversations to the Library foyer or IT area, and longer ones to the Old Library social space found upstairs on the third floor.
What do you have to help me study?
You can find a variety of equipment on the trolley as you enter the main reading room. We have ear plugs, a laptop stand, mini whiteboards and book rests. We also have some plug adaptors and a multi charger at the librarydesk, which you can borrow. If there is anything you need that we don't have, do let us know.
A height-adjustable desk is available at the back of the reading room and others are available in the IT area. Adjustable chairs are available throughout the library.
For information and advice about accessible library services, including details of how to obtain readings in alternative formats, see the Libraries Accessibility Service’s LibGuide or contact us and we'll be very happy to help.
How to I find a book in the library?
You will need the classmark of the book to find it on the shelves. The classmark is the alphanumeric code found on the spine of the book, e.g. A 01 CRA. Use the classmark guides at the end of each set of shelves to find the shelf where you’ll find the book you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a book that’s on a reading list, you can use the online reading list to find the classmark of copies held in the Philosophy Library (see the ‘Using reading lists’ tab for further details).
You can also find the classmark by searching for the book using iDiscover. See the iDiscover LibGuide for instructions.
How do I find electronic versions of books, articles and book chapters on my reading lists?
If you’re looking for something that’s on a reading list, you’ll find a link on the online version if the reading is available in electronic format (see the ‘Using reading lists’ tab for further information).
If you’re looking for online versions of readings that are not on the reading lists, you can search for them using iDiscover. See the iDiscover LibGuide for instructions.
How do I borrow a book?
You can borrow books using the self-service machine found in the library foyer. Scan the barcode on the back of your university card and then follow the instructions on the screen. Undergraduates can borrow up to 10 books from the Philosophy Library at any one time, postgraduates and staff can borrow up to 20.Your loans will automatically renew, so you don't have to worry about returning them until you're finished with them - unless someone else requests them (see 'How do I request (recall) a book' below).
How do I return books?
You can return books using the self-service machine found in the library foyer. If you would like to return books when the library is closed, you can pop them in the book drop box which is opposite the library entrance, next to Lady Mitchell Hall. You can also use the book drop outside the English Faculty building, near the West Road entrance to the Sidgwick Site.
How do I see what books I have on loan?
You can view your library account on iDiscover. Login using your University Account. Your library account will show you all the books you've borrowed across all Cambridge University Libraries you have access to. You’ll receive email reminders when a book becomes due. You'll also receive a monthly email listing all the books you have on loan from most Cambridge University Libraries and their due dates.
How do I request (recall) a book?
If a book is on loan to someone else, you can recall it online during term. You’ll receive an email when the book is available to collect and we’ll hold it for you for two working days.
More detailed instructions for requesting items in iDiscover, including screenshots, are available via the iDiscover LibGuide.
People are sometimes reluctant to recall books because they don’t want to inconvenience the person who already has it but doing so helps us to see which books are in high demand so we can consider purchasing additional copies.
What if I need a book that is not in the library?
Use the 'Book Suggestion Form', or email us the details at philosophy@lib.cam.ac.uk.
If you’re looking for a book that’s on a reading list, check the online version to see if it’s available as an ebook or the relevant chapter is available as a scan. You can also check iDiscover to see if there are copies available at your college, the University or another faculty library.
Will I be fined if I don't return a book?
We no longer charge fines for overdue loans. However, if there are two or more books on your library account that have been requested by others and which you have not returned on time, it will be automatically blocked for further borrowing until you return them.
If you think you may have lost a book from the Philosophy Faculty Library, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss options for replacing the book.
Where can I find my reading lists?
Links to online, PDF and Word versions of the Philosophy Tripos reading lists can be found on the Faculty website or within each Moodle course page. Reading lists for the MPhil Ethics of AI, Data and Alogrithms course can be accessed via the teaching Moodle page. You will need to log in using your University Account.
How do I find books on my reading lists in the library?
The online reading list will show you the classmarks of books held in the Philosophy and some other Cambridge University Libraries. The classmark is the alphanumeric code found on the spine of the book, e.g. A 01 CRA. Use the classmark guides at the end of each set of shelves to find the one where you’ll find the book you’re looking for.
Please be aware that the online reading lists may not show copies of books held in all Cambridge University Libraries. If you’re looking for books in your college library, you may need to double check iDiscover. See the iDiscover LibGuide for instructions.
You may also find this CamGuides section on finding books and articles from a reading list helpful.
How do I find electronic versions of books, articles and book chapters on my reading lists?
If a reading is available in electronic format, you’ll find a link on the online version of the reading list (see ‘Where can I find my reading lists?’ above for links to these).
If you’re looking for online versions of readings that are not on the reading lists, you will need to search iDiscover. See the iDiscover LibGuide for instructions.
Where can I find further information about using online reading lists to find and organise the things I need to read?
For hints and tips for making the online reading lists work for you, see the Reading Lists Online LibGuide.
How do I connect to wifi?
Current students and staff are advised to set up Eduroam to stay connected to wifi around the University. See this University Information Services (UIS) webpage for instructions and information about wifi services for guests.
Do you have any computers?
In the IT area, we have one networked PC which you can log into using your University account. We also have two monitors which you can plug your laptop into - one in the computer area and another at the back of the library. All of these computers are on height-adjustable desks.
How can I print, scan or photocopy?
You can use the Multifunctional Device (MFD) in the library to print, scan and photocopy.
You can print from the computer in the IT area of the library or you can print from your own device after you have installed the necessary software and topped up your printer credit. See this University Information Services (UIS) webpage for instructions. Library staff and our colleagues in the SAHIS team next door are also available to help with this during weekday opening hours.
How much does it cost to print and photocopy?
Scanning is free but for printing and photocopying charges see this SAHIS webpage.
We know that freshers' week can be incredibly hectic and that there's a lot to take in so we've come up with a 'Freshers' Five' - five things to take away about your library and how we can help you.
1. Ask us - we're here to help!
2. It's your library and we always welcome your feedback. We want your library to work for you.
3. Links to online reading lists (plus Word and PDF versions) can be found on each Moodle course page and the Faculty website (University Account/Raven login required).
4. The Cambridge Libraries Accessibility Service provides help with accessing libaries, finding suitable study spaces, getting readings in alternative formats, etc. We are also here to offer support and make the library accessible to everyone. You can contact us or the Libraries Accessibility Service if you have any queries about accessibility, or if there is anything that we can do to help.
5. The Library Essentials LibGuide has all the key information you need to start exploring and using the library spaces, collections and services on offer to you.
During Michaelmas term our opening hours are:
Monday to Friday: 9:30 to 17:30
Saturday: 11:00 to 17:00
The library is closed on Sundays
You can find information on living in Cambridge, preparing for supervisions and the different libraries available to you as a student on the CamGuides webpages.
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