Adelaide University Library

Our library

The Adelaide University Library will provide a wide variety of study spaces, resources and services, with knowledgeable and friendly staff who are ready to help when you need it. The library will harness the unique history, resources, expertise and innovative practices of both founding institutions to create a unified, dynamic hub of knowledge and learning.

Whether you’re a new or current student, the Adelaide University Library will be there to support you throughout your studies.

Current libraries and locations

With eight metropolitan campus locations, our current library spaces offer a safe and relaxing environment suitable for study, research and group work.

Adelaide City Campus libraries

Barr Smith Library, located at Adelaide City Campus - East

Brookman Building Library, located at Adelaide City Campus - East

Law Library, located at Adelaide City Campus - East

Jeffrey Smart Building, located at Adelaide City Campus - West

Metropolitan libraries

Magill Campus Library

Mawson Lakes Campus Library

Roseworthy Campus Library

Waite Campus Library

Operating hours

Each of our libraries are open for extended hours, including 24-hour areas within the Barr Smith Library and Jeffrey Smart Building. Information about current opening hours for libraries can be found at the University of South Australia Library and University of Adelaide Library websites.

Collections

As an Adelaide University student, you’ll have access to an impressive collection of physical and digital resources including books, ebooks, journals, databases and special collections. Explore the current collections held by the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide libraries on their respective websites.

Support services

Online guides and courses have been designed to assist you in your learning and research. Our experienced librarians offer workshops and appointments across a wide range of learning and research topics. For a full list of services visit the University of South Australia and University of Adelaide library websites.

FAQs

The Adelaide University Library online collections will be available from January 2026.

If you are a current student of either of the founding institutions, you can continue to access library collections and services as you normally would until 1 January 2026.

Access the University of South Australia Library website

Access the University of Adelaide Library website

Some courses may set a prescribed textbook to support your learning. The Adelaide University Library will purchase textbooks in eBook format where possible. Before purchasing a copy, check the Library’s catalogue to see if you can access the text through the library. Publisher conditions may impact on the Library’s ability to make a textbook freely available for all students, so in some cases you may need to purchase a personal copy of a prescribed textbook to guarantee access.

Yes – any items you may have on loan when the Adelaide University Library commences operation in January 2026 will be carried over.

All of our libraries are open to everyone, including current students, future students, and members of the public. After-hours access may be restricted to current students only.

Yes, you can! While you won’t be able to access online materials, you are able to access print materials now. All three South Australian university libraries have a reciprocal borrowing agreement, which allows you to borrow print items in person from Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, and the University of South Australia. Contact your current university library to find out more.

From 1 January 2026, books will be able to be returned to all current library locations.

UniSA and University of Adelaide students should continue using their current university login and password to access library resources. Students will be advised ahead of time if they need to change their password.

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