Visiting in person

We welcome visiting researchers and students who wish to use our extensive collections for reference purposes. No special authorization is necessary, but please let us know before you come, particularly for visits exceeding one day.

If you require any information before your visit, email blds@ids.ac.uk or tel +44 (1) 273 915659.

Anyone with an interest in development related research can use us, either in person or remotely.

Opening hours

Mon - Fri, 9.15 am - 9.15 pm
We are open throughout the year, except on Bank Holidays and for short periods over Christmas and Easter.

Visitors should note that access to the building is restricted from 5.00 pm to swipe-card holders and residents.

Forthcoming closure periods.

• Christmas closure. The Library will be closed from Thursday 24th December 2009 - 1st January 2010 inclusive.

Services

Service Desk: 10.00 am - 5.30 pm
For lending and enquiries.

Please note that desk hours may be reduced during vacation periods.

Reading Room
The first floor reading area is open in the evenings until 9.15 pm for IDS students (and for visitors by prior arrangement).

While here you will be able to make full use of our excellent facilities and unique collection.

Facilities

BLDS is accessible to wheelchair users.
If you have other special requirements please let us know before your visit and we will try to make suitable arrangements.

Online catalogue
Relevant and comprehensive search results available from our catalogue.
Search while you're visiting, or save time by searching before you come.

Enquiry service
Research advice and practical help from our knowledgeable and experienced library staff.

Photocopiers
for which copy credit can be purchased from the library service counter or IDS finance office.

Reading Room
Visitors may arrange to stay up to 9.15pm.

Lending
To borrow materials from the collection see the information on interlibrary loans /document delivery or find out about becoming a member.

Access to the collections

The library is arranged over 3 floors:

• First floor - entrance, enquiry desk, reading room
• Ground floor - open access book shelves (floor plan - PDF)
• Basement - public access to card catalogue. Mobile book shelves - staff only (floor plan - PDF)

Most materials are available on the open shelves.
Government Publications and International Organizations materials from the basement need to be requested one day in advance.
Extensive CD ROM collection available on open access PCs.

Detailed information about our holdings and the arrangement of the collection is available.

How to find us

We are located on the First Floor of the Institute of Development Studies building - ask at the Reception Desk by the main entrance.

Directions to IDS can be found on the main IDS site

Accommodation

Accommodation is available within IDS if you wish to stay overnight or longer.

Alternatively, there are many places to stay in nearby Brighton. (See Virtual Brighton and Hove for accommodation lists)