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Computers in the Library Survey
The Library is keen to hear your views about using computers and IT support in the Library. Please take a minute to fill in the online survey to let us know your experiences. Your feedback is appreciated and will be used to develop our services.
Click here to visit the Computers in the Library Survey.
Alumni Plus
Are you a graduate of the University of London? Do you need access to JSTOR as well as a borrowing
allowance of up to eight books at a time?
Try our Alumni Plus membership.
Personal Research Carrels
Are you a University of London PhD/MPhil student or academic staff within the UoL wanting a quiet
and private place to study with network access?
Try one of our Research Carrels
Wireless Instructions
To connect to our Uol-Open wireless network please follow our instructions here
If you are a Windows user, ask for the connection Dongle at the Informtion Desk in the Library Services Hall
Senate House Libraries, University of London constitute one of the world's most significant collections in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The eight collaborating libraries, at Senate House and for the Institutes of the School of Advanced Study together provide services to over 100,000 registered readers every year, from Colleges of the University and from the UK and international research base.
Located in the centre of London and with a strong online presence, Senate House Libraries deliver essential services to individuals, research teams, students and partners from almost 200 countries. Read more ![]()
Catalogue Quick Search
Charles Dickens and Popular Culture
My father had left a small collection of books in a little room upstairs, to which I had access (for it adjoined my own) and which nobody else in our house ever troubled. From that blessed little room, Roderick Random, Peregrine Pickle, Humphrey Clinker, Tom Jones, the Vicar of Wakefield, Don Quixote, Gil Blas, and Robinson Crusoe, came out, a glorious host, to keep me company.
David Copperfield, chapter 4
Dickens drew upon many sources for his writings: from his own life and experiences, from his observations of his fellow man, and from literature and the theatre. This exhibition looks at the inspiration Dickens drew from his youthful readings of popular literature and exposure to the theatre, and how, in due course, his own output, and the characters he created, fed into popular culture through theatrical, literary and other adaptations and plagiarisms.
There is no charge to view this exhibition
Joining the Library
University of London
Most University of London students and staff may join Senate House Library free of charge. For further information please visit our membership pages
Pre-register online...
- University of London Students and Staff
- Non University of London Higher Education Institutional members
- Non-Higher Education and Private Members
Birkbeck College Students and academic staff must obtain a proof of eligibility form PRIOR to visiting Senate House Library. Further information is available on our membership pages or from the Birkbeck Library Help Desk.
LSHTM Students must obtain a proof of eligibility form PRIOR to visiting Senate House Library. Further information is available on our membership pages or from the LSHTM Library Help Desk.
Senate House Library is open to everyone
Even if you just want to visit the library for a day...
To find out all you need to know about visiting the library please visit our membership pages

