The new CERN Library, one year on

One year ago, after 12 months of extensive renovation work, the new CERN Library was inaugurated. Discover what the new Library has to offer, as well as the many services that make reading and working easier. Psst: to celebrate our first year, visit the CERN Library to pick up a free tote bag, stickers and bookmarks.

1. Accessibility

Over the past year, the Library has stepped up efforts to improve the accessibility of its services and to make reading and working more comfortable. For example, you now have access to magnifying glasses, noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs, plus a Kuppel chair for better sound isolation. Find out more about accessibility at the Library.

2. New features in the Library catalogue

Librarians and colleagues from the IT department have also developed new tools, such as a self-checkout option to borrow books, and they have integrated the Library catalogue in MapCERN to help users easily locate books on the Library shelves. You can now also find audiobooks and videos in the catalogue.

3. Events

In the renovated space, the Library hosts two new series of events: Meet the Author, which has already welcomed authors Nicole Yunger Halpern and Chris Quigg, and The Voice of Science, short talks related to science communication, with invitees such as Zach Weinersmith and AstroKatie. Check out our upcoming events.

4. Workplace

The Library (Building 52, first floor) is open 24/7 and is a quiet place to study, equipped with modern and comfortable furniture, 40 workstations (of which four have extra screens), power plugs, a private sound-proof cabin for phone/video calls, lockers and a water fountain. Additionally, the Library staff are available to assist you, from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You'll find them at the Welcome Desk.

5. Collections

Over the past year, more than 17 200 new resources have been added to the Library catalogue. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from books, e-books, journals, audiobooks or videos. In total, more than 16 500 physical books are available in the Library and more than 40 500 are available on request from our closed stacks, while 121 000 e-books, more than 6800 videos and more than 2900 audiobooks are available or requestable online. Search our collection and latest additions, as well as the full list of resources.

6. Services

Can't visit the Library? No problem, you can request books from the catalogue to be delivered directly to your office. Need a book that is not available in the Library? No problem, we can order it for you via our interlibrary loan service. Need a book or standard that you want to keep in your service for regular use? No problem, we'll take care of the ordering process. Just fill in our request form.

7. Bookshop

Did you know that the Library also has a bookshop? Stop by to get a copy of your favourite reference book or pick up a CERN book as a souvenir or gift. Browse our bookshop collection to discover our titles.

8. Content curation

Behind the scenes, CERN's Library team is working hard to ensure that CERN publications are accurately listed and described in repositories. Every year, around 12 to 18 000 articles, conference papers, photos, etc. are curated by our devoted Scientific Information Service team on the CERN Document Server (CDS) and INSPIRE.

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To find out more about what the Library has to offer, visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter.