Books and pamphlets
The Library holds over 12,000 books and over 11,000 pamphlets produced by governmental, non-governmental and research organisations worldwide. Most of these items are eligible for loan to Members of the Institute.
Full details of library holdings are available via the Library catalogue.
Journals
The Library subscribes to over 90 international relations, defence and regional studies journals. There is electronic access to many of these journals from the Library computers.
Electronic information
Computers are available for online research in the Library with internet access and links to electronic journals and electronic information sources, including Jane’s defence magazines and journals.
There are power points for the use of readers' laptop computers. Wi-fi access is available for library users at a cost of £3 for half a day or £5 for a full day; this is in addition to the Library entrance fee. Please note that wi-fi access is only for genuine users of the IISS Library wishing to perform research relating to international affairs.
Special collection of IISS publications
The Library holds reference copies of all the Institute’s publications from its foundation in 1958 onwards. These include complete sets of Survival, The Adelphi Papers, Strategic Survey, Strategic Comments and The Military Balance, as well as the one-off publications such as the IISS Strategic Dossiers on Iraq, North Korea, Iran, nuclear black market, and European defence capabilities. See the Publications section for further information.
Newspapers
The Library receives all UK daily broadsheets and selected international newspapers. The previous week's newspapers are kept for consultation in the Library.
Press cuttings
The Library has a unique collection of press cuttings containing newspaper and journal articles from 1958 onwards, classified by subject area.
