The McGowin Library
The Library is now closed until Michaelmas 2023 to carry out refurbishment work. We will reopen for term with a new ground floor reading room, a group study space, and better storage for our rare books.
If you need anything in the meantime, please email staff on library@pmb.ox.ac.uk and we will do our best to help you.
The McGowin Library is Pembroke’s own library, only accessible to members of the College. It has both key textbooks and a wealth of further reading for all undergraduate courses offered at Pembroke, plus many resources for post-graduates.
There is an extensive DVD collection of films in multiple languages, as well as a reference collection, and a small selection of recreational reading. Study space is available 24/7, as is the library’s printer/copier, and the self issue machine means that students can borrow books even when staff are not available.
The role of the library is to ensure that all students have everything they need to successfully complete their courses. As well as providing books and study space, library staff can help with research skills, referencing, and buying books on request as needed. We also care for the College’s rare books collection, providing access for external researchers, and talks or handling sessions for current students. The resources available to students in Oxford are world-class, but the sheer volume can be hard to navigate. Library staff can help guide students through databases, journals and library catalogues to make sure they spend more time studying than wading through unmanageable lists of books and articles. Whatever students need, we’re here to help.
College Librarian
Library staff can help with questions about both Pembroke and the Bodleian Libraries. Students can request books they need to be bought and added to the library collection, and almost all requests are fulfilled. Additionally, we can help with referencing questions, or help with tracking things down online and in Bodleian Libraries. At key points in the year, we provide specific sessions for students about to undertake a thesis or research project, to make sure you’re getting the most out of Oxford’s libraries, both in person and online.
Current students can find out more about the library’s services and how to find books on the library pages of the intranet.
Pembroke students can use the library 24/7, using their Salto cards for access. Information about borrowing, returning and renewing books can be found on the Library pages of the intranet. There is wifi throughout the library, and we have a range of supportive equipment available, including book rests, USB DVD players, magnifiers and ebook readers.
Students from other Colleges or external researchers may be able to see Pembroke books by appointment. Please email us on library@pmb.ox.ac.uk to arrange this.
Due to space and staffing constraints, we’re very sorry but the library is unable to accept any large donations at present. We are always delighted to receive single copies of books published by Pembrokians, and if you have an item of particular historical interest, please do contact the librarian directly. Otherwise, sadly we cannot accept donations of large personal collections of more than one or two boxes of books.
If you have a large collection that you need to dispose of, and would like the college to benefit, we use the book service Anybook. They are an excellent company who will come and collect your books for free, sell them through their online channels, and any proceeds can be directed to Pembroke. Please do contact the librarian if you would like more information about this.
Throughout Hilary 2022, we're going to be reviewing various productivity and well-being books, to see if they live up to the hype. Have a look at our Instagram and Facebook to get more tips and tricks about using the library, or head over to the Life Hacking pages to see our reviews.