Each book is given a classification number (or a “classmark”) according to its subject. This is a way to group books on similar topics together, and serves as a finding aid when you look up a book on the library catalogue (iDiscover). Churchill College uses the Dewey classification system. The classification guide and floorplans below show where specific subjects can be found in the Library. These are also displayed at the entrance of each reading room.

Current issues of general interest journals (e.g. Scientific American, Private Eye and Wired) are kept on display shelves on the ground floor of the Bracken Library, or in the Bevin Library. More specialist journals are given a classmark and are shelved in classmark sequence.

You can search for print journals on iDiscover using the filters or Advanced Search options to narrow down your search to journals. Journals are for reference use within the library reading rooms.

Over 130,000 ejournal titles and 400 databases are available off-campus. Simply search ‘Articles and online resources’ in the iDiscover catalogue, or download the LibKey Nomad browser extension which will direct you to full text articles when these are available from Cambridge University Libraries.

More information and support for online resources can be found on the E-resources home page or email [email protected]

The University has access to over 1.2 million ebooks off-campus and most are available through links in the iDiscover catalogue.

If you need a book and it is not already available electronically to you, please recommend an ebook for acquisition. If an ebook is available to purchase from the publisher, access can often be arranged very quickly.

More information and support for online resources can be found in the Cambridge ebooks LibGuide or email [email protected]

There is an adjustable workstation in the Lloyds Computer Room, which can be raised to a standing height.

Book stands, laptop stands and reading lecterns are available at the entrance to each reading room, also blankets and stress balls (to alleviate study stress and hand strain from extended typing). We also have a small number of LED desk lamps with adjustable colour-spectrum and light intensity. Ergonomic aids can be used anywhere within the library reading rooms. Please do not remove them from the library.

There is a comb binder for binding reports and dissertations in the Library office. Binding, including combs and plastic fronts and backs, is free of charge.

We also have a laminator which College members are welcome to use.

The Library holds a number of DVDs both for study purposes and purely for leisure viewing. They are kept in the Bevin Library. You can browse and search our DVD collection on iDiscover. Alternatively, you can limit to DVDs in the main iDiscover search using the ‘Audiovisual’ filter (either in the Advanced Search box before searching, or in the ‘refine my results’ panel after searching).

We also have portable plug-and-play DVD drives available to borrow from the Library Office.

USB-C, Micro-USB, and Lightning cables can be borrowed from the Library Office.

Bound volumes of past examination papers can be found in the reference section, to your right as soon as you enter the Bracken Library.

The Library has a collection of half-skeletons and skulls for use by 1st and 2nd year medics. These are available on long-term loan from the Library office.

There are also a number of molecular model kits available to borrow from the Library Office.

The Wellbeing Seed Library provides free seeds for students and families to use in the College garden, or to grow in your room. The Seed Library can be found in the entrance foyer of the Bracken reading room (you do not need a University Card to access this area.)

In the 70 Storey’s Way Garden there is a student greenhouse and raised beds that can be used by students and families. Compost, pots, a watering can and plant labels are kept in the greenhouse for student use, and the College gardeners will be on hand for advice.

We would be glad to accept donations of seeds harvested from grown crops. If you would like more information on harvesting or growing seeds, please contact Katherine Banarse Davies in the Grounds & Gardens team.

Email Katherine Banarse Davies

In the Bevin Library there is a selection of colouring books, brain teasers, and stress balls, to alleviate study stress and hand strain from extended typing.

Cold drinking water is available from a dispenser outside the Bracken Library, on the ground floor. Drinks are welcome in the library reading rooms, but they must be in a container with a lid (no open-topped glasses or mugs please).

There are 10 computers in the Lloyds Room, which is on the first floor opposite the Library Office. Another computer is available inside the Bracken Library on the ground-floor level.

Also in the Bracken Library is a free-standing monitor, which you can use with your own device as a second screen.

There are two printers available in our building:

• the Lloyds Room printer (black and white, A4)
• the Library Landing photocopier (colour/black and white, A3/A4)

You can also use the Library Landing photocopier to scan and make copies.

Charges for printing and copying are listed on signs above the printers. Copying charges will be debited directly from your College account. Scanning to email or a USB stick is free.

Please read the Licensed Copying User Guidelines on the noticeboard above the photocopier before you make any copies.