Mathematics - Natural Sciences Library
Library Services and Policies
Finding Books
The Institute's online catalog contains all book titles in the collection and most of the journal titles. All newly received books are also in the online catalog. To borrow a new book, speak to a librarian! We also maintain a card catalog in the main reading room with author, title and series cards for every book.
Locating Books/Periodicals.
Each book listing online, and a call number (unique alphanumeric code assigned by the Library of Congress to each book);
in general, collections of call numbers are location as follows:
Fuld Hall
Corridor – call numbers B824 .6 – QA387 .R (Math)
Room 217 (North Room) – current issues of periodicals; books, call numbers included in corridor order
Main Reading Room – call numbers QA387 .R cont. – Z6655 (Math/Physics) (not including QB- see Bloomberg Hall)
East Stack Room – Bound periodicals ; some monographic series, including Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Asterisque and Proceedings of Symposia in Pure and Applied Mathematics.
Landing Stacks (2nd floor stair) – collected works; conference proceedings. (see online listing)
Basement – periodicals and misc. books (Astrophysics)
Bloomberg Hall
Astrophysics Library– 2nd Floor – call numbers QB (Astrophysics)
Physics Library– 2nd Floor – Reserved Book; bound and current periodicals (Nuclear Physics B, etc.)
Seminar Room, Simons Center for Systems Biology – call numbers QH and others (Biology)
H.S.-S.S Library
Basement – Bound periodicals (see online listing)
Off-site Storage
Inactive journals in Physics and Astrophysics- please contact the Library staff.
Current Issues of Periodicals.
A periodicals list may be found on the Library’s web page, and is also available in paper in the library.
Unbound periodical issues are arranged in alphabetical order by title in Room 217 (North Room) of Fuld Hall. These issues must remain within the room for the use of all members.
Computer – Photocopier – Scanner
A photocopier and a HP digital scanner are available in the Landing Stacks area. For catalog searching and other use, the library provides a PC in the main reading room, and 2 Macs in the Current Periodical Room and the East Stack Room.
Borrowing From The MNS Library
Privileges: Borrowing privileges are extended to faculty, members, visitors and staff of the Institute for Advanced Study with a valid IAS ID card. Visiting scholars may consult books in the library.
Procedures: Borrowers sign and date two book cards found on the inside back cover of the book, or bound periodical. Books may be signed out after hours, but the cards should always be placed in the location's designated box, to be filed by Library staff.
The MNS Library is intended and functions as a 'house library', and strives to keep our collection accessible to as many members of the community as possible. Therefore borrowed items may not be taken off campus (this includes the housing project); and may be retrieved if needed. Please notify the Library Office if you wish to borrow or lend a book that has already been signed out to a specific member.
Items should be kept in the member's office in plain and accessible view. This allows, in the case of need while the signing member is away, access for retrieval of the book by library. The borrower will be notified of this transfer by e-mail.
Returns:
All books must be returned before a Member's last day at the Institute; we will contact you approximately 1-2 weeks prior to that date. If you leave early, please make arrangements to return your books at that time, or find alternate means of returning them.
The Library performs an inventory at the end of each academic term (June-July), and requests that all books either be a) returned at that time or b) renewed in person for the following academic terms.
Short-Term Visitors:
Visitors and students who have access to office space may also borrow books; however, recalls and transfers of items from other Members must be negotiated by the student's Sponsoring Member or Faculty supervisor.
Borrowing From Other Libraries
Lewis Library
The Lewis Science Library of Princeton University supports research in Astrophysics, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and other science disciplines. Through an agreement with Lewis, books and periodical articles owned there may be requested through MNS Library staff, either by telephone (x8180/8181); by e-mail; or by filling out the form found on our web page. Due dates and any use restrictions will be provided upon pickup from Fuld Hall. From Monday-Friday, we will attempt to fulfill requests within 24 hrs. Books borrowed from the University library may also be returned through the Mathematics-Natural Sciences Library.
Libraries Outside The Princeton Area
For books and journal articles not accessible through the IAS Libraries or Princeton, all members of the IAS community can request them through Interlibrary loan (other than from Lewis Library at Princeton University). This is available to faculty, members, visitors and their spouses and companions. Users can request materials on interlibrary loan by using either the online form from our website or by e-mail or telephone .
Princeton University Library
IAS Members and visitors also receive on-site and digital access to the research collections at Princeton University Library.
In order to obtain a library card, visit the Firestone Library Access Office (located in the main lobby area), and show a) your IAS ID card, and b) an ID showing your permanent address.
While in the Access Office, you may also arrange a PU printer account, providing use of any network library printer within the PUL system.
For digital access to PUL e-journals and databases, you must either connect from a IAS campus computer ( http://library.princeton.edu/);
or, while off campus, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.
Rev. 6-28-17