All the cool kids on campus know to avoid the dusty, dark, possibly asbestos-infested Fisher…read moreLibrary in favour of the newer Law Library. The long-established prestige associated with law degrees (note the 'Freehills' corporate law firm branding on the shiny, sliding glass doors at the building's entrance) translates evidently to this architecturally designed, state-of-the-art edifice complete with acoustically sensitive, wave-like timber ceilings and a small fortune worth of computers. Though bona fide future barristers are beckoned indoors, everybody knows just as many Arts/Science/Commerce students lurk about the study desks, soaking up the academic ambience and secretly hoping to win a spot inside the coveted 'Cone Of Silence' skylighted seating area.

I've browsed lots of university libraries in the US, and I'm not sure if it's due to the fact that…read moreAustralia is a smaller country or the university is smaller than the ones I'm used to, but Fisher is quite small compared to what I expected. There are essentially two parts of the building; one section stocks all of the books (only non-fiction) and the other is filled with computers and workstations. The former goes up to the 9th floor while the latter only goes to 5th if I recall correctly. Considering how many students go to the university and how many I expect there to be filling this place up once the semester actually starts, I'm pretty surprised there aren't more desks crammed into this place. But! I will say that if you do get a workstation, you're definitely not crammed in your space. The ground floor (3rd floor) and 4th floor understandably are the most popular floors and therefore the desks and computers need a bit of clean up since some students are irresponsible and exhibit signs to indicate they believe fairytale mice follow them to clean up their mess. Not sure how often the janitorial crew get around, but I've visited this place a few times in January and it wasn't pretty to look at. If this is any indication of what it will be like when semester starts for students on regular academic schedule, I will likely be trying to find a spot on the topmost floors or maybe the public library. Other than that, tight security as you need a student card to enter and exit the building and the guard checks as you go in (perhaps it won't be this strict when semester starts?). The 4th floor has two of those nap pads which are convenient if you absolutely cannot keep your eyelids open and need to nap for 20 min or less.

Free WiFi is a hit. Thank you to the City of Sydney consortiums of libraries for making this…read morepossible. You just need to arrive early enough if you're planning on doing some work or study. Bring your own tablet or laptop device too. Well organised library. A great way to touch base and find out on what is happening in the community. Great kids corner, with a dedicated junior fiction area. So convenient too. In the hub of it all. I am so looking forward to attending an art workshop that goes for three hours next month, as at the time of writing this. You only pay $5 and this covers all materials. Held every Wednesday (with the exception of school and public holidays) and all materials are included. Held at this library, and class is run by the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre. Plus you do not need to be a Surry Hills local or resident in order to enjoy. Nice one :)

First off, the Surry Hills library is a beautiful building. It's architectural design fascinates me…read moreand who doesn't love a wall made entirely of glass? (Armando Pamperdine, that's who, but who cares what that glass hating freak likes.) It's a large library and an air conditioned one, whether you're going there to rent out a book, do a bit of study or simply escape the heat and use the free wifi, it's a modern and attractive work space. Situated in the middle of Surry Hills, the library stands like a beacon of knowledge along Crown Street. With a wide selection and multiple levels. It is, without a doubt, a library.

UTS Library has not suffered the fate of other university libraries (having some of their…read morecollection destroyed) - but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen here. One way to guard against this is to borrow, borrow, borrow. They won't throw anything out that has been borrowed in the past X number of years. If you're a student here, go nuts, borrow like a mad thing. I'm a post-grad, so I probably get a better deal at this library than most. - 50 books out at a time, and for 12 month loans. - One-on-one research assistance from librarians, some of whom go completely out of their way to find things for you. - Inter-library loans and loads of "Bonus" books (that's another form of interlibrary loan, btw). - a special "scholar's room", where we can go be scholarly.... I don't actually like the room, it's cold and uninviting. Anyway, who am I to complain? So if you're a post-grad, and wondering what this library is like: you will be well looked after here. I can't speak for the undergraduate experience, except to say that this library has rather new facilities. It's clean, and a little bit hard to find things on shelves (some of the signage could be better). There seem to be a lot of places to sit and work -- but that said, during exam time, the library sure fills up. If you're not on-site, you can chat online to librarians (during working hours) and they answer your research queries on the spot. I like this library's collection: they have loads of bizarre old government and industry reports from the 1960s & 70 (a result of them merging with the technical school & stealing some of its collection). UTS library does have a security entry, but that doesn't mean the public can't use the space. You just have to get a temporary access card from the security guard, and in exchange he'll hold your ID until you leave. It's pretty easy. They are doing renovations on the bathrooms right now, and from what I've seen, the new loos have all the mod cons. Last year they had a nice drive: food for fines. Instead of paying fines, you could pay with non-perishable food items, which they donated to families in need, over christmas time.

The UTS library is state of the art and has multiple floors. The areas are very expansive and many…read morestudents spend hours studying in the library with its relaxed atmosphere and resourceful setting. The range of books is fascinating- every faculty has a wide range of textbooks available for students to borrow. Novels and books on off-topic subjects are also available to read. Staff are very friendly- too often have I had library fines. Instead of scolding me, they told me how to get out of them! All the staff are very knowledgeable and are only too happy to help. Never have I had a grumpy librarian assist me in my search for a book or information. They are also quite good on the internet and computer. There are many tables and chairs. While the library has a lot of computers, there never seems to be enough. More power plugs would be appreciated!

New! This library building was designed by Kengo Kuma & Assoc. of Japan and occupies floors 2 & 3…read more The main floor has access to public computers, an inviting lounge, meeting rooms to rent, a Maker Space with 3D printing and all kinds of cool electronic bits for checkout. This is a community library and ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. On floor 1 there are a host of restaurants and bars! Out front there is seating and even a little grass area with tables & umbrellas. This is worth visiting just to see the building! As a tourist you could also relax, read & catch up on email~

Nice little quite space under town hall, with a perfectly nice cafe next to it. No books here (can…read moreorder and collect through the computers though) Great for getting a bit of work done in the middle of the city . Only problem is, the internet is atrocious, can't even perform a speed test as it disconnects. So you would need to use your own hotspot or something.

Amazing selection of books and magazines. Really enjoyed reading on the second floor as it's…read moreusually much quieter upstairs.