The Library collection consists of the following main sections:
The collection covers the following subjects:
The Library aims to hold a comprehensive collection of key pharmacy texts, including past editions. The majority of the Library's 60,000 books are available for loan to library users (some of the older editions may be restricted to reference only use). Information about the loan status or otherwise of each item in the collection is displayed on the online catalogue. All items are loaned for 28 days in the first instance.
The Library has an extensive collection of reference material available to all visitors. This includes dictionaries (language and subject), encyclopaedias and directories.
The collection of pharmacopoeias, formularies and proprietaries is unparalleled and includes the key drug texts from around the world.
The Library currently subscribes to over 250 journals titles in print. A further 1000 titles are available as closed sets. The collection covers many titles in pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutics as well as important general medical titles.
Also available in the Library are over 60 fulltext online journals. They can be searched by author, title and keyword, and articles downloaded to read at a later time. Titles available free on the Internet can be accessed on the electronic library pages.
The Library holds a comprehensive collection of acts and statutory instruments relevant to the subject of pharmacy.
The CPD collection contains materials from the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, University of Manchester. Other resources such as videos and DVDs are also included. All are available for loan. Other learning materials and educational packs are added to the collection where they are considered to support the continuing professional development of pharmacists.
The Library holds a copy of any thesis where the Society has had some input or influence.
The Library is custodian of the Society's Early Printed Collection. The Early Printed Collection consists of approximately 3,500 volumes published between 1485 and 1859. The collection contains rare and unusual texts including early pharmacopeias and herbals. The Hanbury bequest from the library of Daniel Hanbury (1825-1875) is part of this collection.
Held in the archives are the minutes of the meetings of the Society's Council and other committees. Access to the minutes is restricted to those authorised to view them.