ZSL Library Collection
- About
- Visitor Information
- Using the Library
- Online Catalogue
The Zoological Society of London's Library contains a unique collection of journals and books on zoology and animal conservation.
Founded in 1826, ZSL Library is one of the major zoological libraries in the world and is open to all. For access details please see 'Who can use the Library?'
ZSL Library contains a wide range of books and journals on all types of animals and their conservation. It has:
- More than 200,000 volumes.
- 5,000 journal titles, 1,300 of which are current.
- Free wireless internet access.
- Copying facilities.
- Archives of ZSL.
- Books dating from 16th century to the present, ranging from popular to technical.
- Holdings located on-site.
- Modern books on open access in our Reading Room.
- Special collection relating to information on zoos.
- The ZSL drawings and prints collection.
- Image collection.
- Friendly service from specialist library staff.
Search our catalogue: ZSL Library Catalogue
The ZSL Library Catalogue can be viewed online with details of all serial holdings - most-pre-1860 books and books published from 1993 onwards can be found.
If you experience any problems with the catalogue please contact us.
Details of other books can be found in our card catalogue in the Reading Room.
ZSL Library is open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm. ZSL Library is closed on all public holidays and at weekends.
Free Wi-Fi is available in ZSL Library
Free wireless internet access is now available in ZSL Library. To connect your laptop to the wireless network you simply need to request a password from the Library desk (the password will be changed on a weekly basis).
Wireless Internet Access Policy and Procedure (46.37 KB)
Please ask Library staff for further details when you next visit ZSL Library.
An introduction to Brian Houghton Hodgson
Discover more about the pioneering zoologist who described many Himalayan species for the first time.
FIND OUT MORE >
Artefact of the Month
Founded in 1826, the ZSL Library has amassed one of the most extensive zoological collections in the world.
Every month one of the pieces held in ZSL’s Library, ZSL London and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoos will feature here as ‘Artefact of the Month’, helping you to discover the historical wonders that ZSL has to offer.
Read now
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm.
The Library is closed on all public holidays and at weekends.
Access to the Library
The Library is open to all, however members of the public must register for a reference ticket (this can be done on the first day that you plan to use the Library). Please refer to 'who can use the Library' for details
Fellows of ZSL and ZSL Members are welcome to use ZSL Library. Please see 'who can use the Library' for details
If you plan to visit ZSL Library with a group of four or more people, please contact us in advance at library@zsl.org , on 0207 449 6293 or via our online enquiry/feedback form
Library users below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting ZSL Library.
Finding the Library
The Library is in the Zoological Society of London's main office building, situated on the Outer Circle of Regent's Park, approximately 200 yards East of ZSL London Zoo's main gate and adjacent to the ZSL Meeting Rooms.
View map Meeting room map
Library users do not have to enter London Zoo to use the Library.
ZSL Online Library Catalogue
Search the Library catalogue
The ZSL Library Catalogue can be viewed online with details of all serial holdings - most-pre-1860 books and books published from 1993 onwards can be found.
Visitors may want to view this online catalogue before they visit the library in person.
Find out more about the ZSL online Library catalogue.
Wireless Internet Access
In response to feedback from Fellows and other Library users, free wireless internet access is now available in ZSL Library. To connect your laptop to the wireless network you simply need to request a password from the Library desk (the password will be changed on a weekly basis).
Visitor wireless internet access policy (46.37 KB)
Please ask Library staff for further details when you visit ZSL Library.
Important points to note
- applications to consult rare books should be made in advance
- we cannot fetch books and journals from the stacks between 12pm and 2pm
- school students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while visiting the library
- please bring your membership card with you when you visit or proof of address and photo identification if you are member of the public visiting the library for the first time.
- ZSL Library is access via two flights of stairs. If you are not able to use the stairs please let us know in advance of your visit so we can provide assistance,
Contact details
The Library
The Zoological Society of London
Regent's Park
London NW1 4RY
020 7449 6293
library@zsl.org
ZSL Library enquiry/feedback form