How Cambridge libraries work

Cambridge University is rich in its library resources. As a member of the University, Girton scholars have access to the University Library, to their Faculty or Departmental Library, and to the College Library. In addition, a huge collection of electronic books, journals and other electronic resources are available direct to your desktop. These four tiers of provision dove-tail together to provide the most comprehensive information resources you will find in any university in the world.

The College Library focuses primarily on undergraduate needs and especially texts required for Part I of the exam system (Tripos). The Faculty or Departmental Library provides for greater subject specialisation as you progress to Part II and beyond. The University Library is a Library of National Deposit, and holds a copy of almost everything published in the UK. This means that you can choose the type of library which best fits your enquiry, and that you should always be sure of finding what you need.

At the same time electronic resources allow access to the most up to date information in journals and abstracts, and supplement availability of hard text versions of books in heavy demand – and as a member of the University you can access these from anywhere you choose.

Girton College Library is staffed by friendly and helpful information specialists who will guide you through the range of resources and help you find what you need.