The Humanities and Social Sciences Library (HSSL) is the largest library at McGill. The Library supports the teaching, learning and research activities of staff and students in the Faculty of Arts, the Desautels Faculty of Management, the Faculty of Education, the School of Religious Studies, and the School of Social Work.
The Library is a valuable resource for the broader McGill community and visiting scholars and researchers, and welcomes all members of the public.
The Humanities and Social Sciences Library has notable collections in Canadian Studies, English and American Literature, British History, Russian and East European Studies, and World War II Studies.
Located with HSSL in the McLennan-Redpath Complex, there are several other libraries, collections and services:
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering (temporary home since May 2019)
- ROAAr
- Rare Books & Special Collections
- Osler Library of the History of Medicine (temporary home since September 2018)
- McGill University Archives
- Visual Arts Collection
- Blackader-Lauterman Collection of Architecture and Art
The Library's Interlibrary Loan service (ILL), which obtains journal articles, books, and other scholarly materials not held by the McGill Library, is also housed in the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex.
Floor plans
For information about the layout and location of collections and services in the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex, see Floor plans.
The McGill Library Reimagined - Fiat Lux: Let there be light
The Library of the future. See how HSSL will be reimagined. View the historical timeline of Library building changes. Learn more...
