Information for Students

Library Rules

AccessAble guide to visiting the Library.

Opening Hours: 8.00 am - Midnight every day.

(closure periods will be specified by the Librarian, for example at Christmas, New Year and over Easter)

Librarian: Ms Genny Grim

Deputy Librarian: Ms Natalie Kent

Graduate Trainee Librarian: Miss Grace Hogan

Email: library@pem.cam.ac.uk Telephone: 01223 (3)38121

Accessions and Book Recommendations

The Library acquires new books throughout the year. If you would like to request that the Library purchase a particular book, please use our online request form.

Entry to the Library

The Library has an electronic lock which is operated by your University card. Please take care of your card; it is also used for purchasing meals and for entry to rooms around College.

Fire Safety

If the alarm sounds you MUST leave the building immediately. Please assemble on the Library Lawn and wait for further instruction. Do not re-enter the Library until you have been told it is safe to do so.

Searching for Books

In the Catalogue Hall outside the Library office there is a computer terminal dedicated to accessing iDiscover, our online catalogue. Please ask for help if you need it. There are also two additional networked terminals (one on the ground floor, and one in the Law Library) which may also be used to access iDiscover.

More information can be found on our Catalogue page.

Borrowing and Returns

To borrow materials from the Library you will need your University card. All books, DVDs, and CDs in the Library may be borrowed except:

Those marked ‘Not to be taken out’ or ‘Reference Collection’
Periodicals (bound volumes or individual issues)
Reference books shelved in the Upper Reading Room

Borrowing is available to all members of the College. The self-service machine is just outside the Library Office. If you are having any difficulties with the self-service machine, please ask a member of Library staff. Up to ten items from Pembroke College Library may be borrowed at any one time. You may borrow items for two weeks initially (or four weeks for readers who need extended loans).

You can renew items borrowed from Pembroke College Library by logging into your account in iDiscover.

Late returns incur a fine of 25p per item per day, or, if requested by another reader, 50p per item per day. Books should be returned on the self-service machine and then placed on the Returned Books shelves or on the nearby green trolley.

Requesting Books

If you would like to borrow an item that is out on loan, you may request it via iDiscover. Once you have found the item you are looking for, click through to the item page, click on "Request options", and follow the on-screen instructions to request the book. After the book has been returned to the Library, you will receive an email to your University account. You may collect the book from the Library office on the ground floor; books on hold will be kept for you for two days before being returned to the open shelves.

If a book you have borrowed is requested, you will receive an email asking you to return it. Please be considerate of your fellow students and return requested books promptly.

Reserving Books

Books should not be left on tables but they may be reserved for up to three days on the reserved book shelves provided in each Reading Room. Please put a reservation slip on top with your name and the day’s date. Any books left on the reservation shelves after three days will be reshelved.

Scanning Facilities

There is a scanner available for student use in the stationery room on the ground floor of the Library; you can scan to a memory stick or to your email account. Please remember to abide within copyright law when scanning.

Computers & Photocopying

Please use the 24-hour computer room in CC staircase of Foundress Court for working on essays and printing any documents over 15 pages.

If you need assistance, please contact IT by emailing help@pem.cam.ac.uk or by visiting the Helpdesk in T Basement.