Cambridge University Library, Cambridge

Cambridge University Library is a vast reference and research facility that houses over seven million books. It is one of the few university buildings that does not belong to a specific college. Whilst most colleges have their own libraries, all students of the university are entitled to use the main University Library, the centre piece of the university’s 114 libraries. There has been a communal library attached to the university since the 15th century, however the current building was opened as recently as 1934. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, the industrial style building is reminiscent of London’s Tate Modern, which was designed as a power station by Scott.

The complex is comprised of five different libraries: the main building, the Medical Library, the Betty and Gordon Moore Library, the Central Science Library and the new Squire Law Library. Collectively, the library buildings are one of just six legal deposit libraries in the country. This means that they are legally entitled to receive a free copy of every book published in the UK each year. The library is open to members of the public, although a fee is charged, and some academic credentials must be provided in order to become a full member of the library.