Using the RUSI Library
Members of RUSI can make use of the library when it is not being used for events. We will indicate below when the library is available for members to drop in each week. You can contact our Librarian, Amanda Sheppard, to arrange an appointment. To avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you plan your visit well in advance and contact the Librarian for available research dates and times.
Upcoming opening times for members
Wednesday 29 January 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 05 February 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Monday 10 February 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 20 February (Please note, there is also a members' event in the library between 13:00 and 14:00 on this day.)
Wednesday 26 February 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 07 March 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Monday 10 March 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Monday 17 March 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 28 March 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 02 April 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08 April 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 15 April 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 22 April 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
Monday 28 April 2025: 09:00 - 17:00
History of the Library
The library design was conceived by Sir Aston Web and Ingress Bell and opened in 1895. It is a ‘sister’ library to the National Art Library built by Webb and Bell in the V&A and shows many of the same features including floor to ceiling windows with shelves on either side. Hanging above the matching fireplaces are a pair of prints depicting the Battles of Leipzig and Waterloo. These prints are interesting because they are from paintings which hung in the Zeughaus in Berlin, and which were destroyed during allied bombing raids. The bronze statuettes are of Clive of India, by Mrs E. Thomas, and Lord Roberts on horseback (20th century school).
At the last count the Library holds about 24,000 books and the collections are focused on military history, defence and security topics.
How do I check if you have a book?
The library has an online catalogue where you can search the collection.
Enter your search terms in the ‘simple search’ bar and click on search.
A list of matching titles will be displayed.
Click on the title for full details about a book.
How do I locate a book in the library?
The call number gives you the location of the book.
The first part of the call number gives you the subject e.g. China. The initials in square brackets give you the abbreviation that is found on the book spine. This will be followed by digits or letters which tell you where the book is within the shelves. Each subject is organised numerically or alphabetically depending on the subject.
To find where the subject is kept within the library, please check the subject list which is printed out and displayed on the tables in the main library and library gallery.
The list contains the bay numbers where the subjects are kept. There are 100 bays in the library all of which are labelled numerically. Bays 1-51 are on the ground floor and bays 52-100 are in the library gallery.
However, since the move back to 61 Whitehall, books have been reshelved in a different order and the call numbers are not always accurate. If you are unsure where a book may be located, please speak to the RUSI librarian.
How do I borrow and return a book?
Please take your books to the Reception desk on the ground floor where they will complete the loan form. Books are available to borrow for one month. Reference books, archive items and rare books may not be removed from the library.
To return a book please send or return it to Reception at 61 Whitehall.
Contact details
Amanda Sheppard, RUSI Library and Information Manager
[email protected] or [email protected]
Book returns
Reception
RUSI, 61 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2ET
UK