Library

IDSA library has an excellent collection of more than 54,000 books covering the areas of national security, defence strategy, international relations, conflict and peace studies and related subjects. Library has a number of reports, databases and over 15,000 bound volumes of old Journals. In addition, library subscribes to over 350 current national as well as international journals both in print as well as in electronic/online versions. Library's resources are extensively used by the Institute's scholars, members of the Institute and other external users.

Library is fully computerized and its catalogue, databases and online journals are all accessible to IDSA researchers on their terminals.


Other services provided by the library include:

  • Bibliographic Service
    Bibliographies on specific topics are provided to the Institute's researchers on request.
  • New Arrivals
    New books are kept on display for a week and bibliographic details are notified to the researchers.
  • Current Awareness Services
    Library brings out Current Journal Contents (CJC), a monthly current awareness bulletin providing contents page of about 70 leading journals received in the library. Annual subscription to this service is Rs.300.00.
  • Database of Journal Articles
    Library maintains a database of titles (with keywords) of articles published in various journals to help users quickly retrieve articles on selected topics.
  • Reference Service
    Information is collected from the library and internet resources against specific requests from the Institute's researchers and other users.
  • Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)
    SDI is provided to IDSA researchers in their specific area of research.

Electronic Information Resources

IDSA subscribes to a number of databases and online sources. These include the following:-

  • Columbia International Affairs online
  • EIU Country Report of 42 countries
  • Global Newswire (BBC)
  • Jane’s Defence Magazine Library
  • JSTOR
  • Kanwa Intelligence Review
  • Lancaster Index
  • North Africa Journal
  • Oil, Gas and Energy Law Intelligence
  • Petrowatch
  • World News Connection

Opening hours

Normal opening hours are:
Monday–Friday 9:30am–5:00pm, and
Saturdays 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, with the exception of public holidays.

Access

  • Access to the Library is free for IDSA members.
  • University students can access the Library by providing a reference/recommendation letter from their University /College/Centre or Institute.

For information on becoming a member of the IDSA, please visit the membership webpages.

Conditions of use

  • All users of the Library are required to sign in and out on arrival and departure.
  • Bags and all personal belongings must be deposited with security staff outside the library.
  • Use of mobile phones and personal music players is not allowed in the Library.
  • Conversation should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing other users.
  • Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted.

Borrowing

Members of IDSA can avail borrowing facility with a refundable security amount of Rs. 1000.00 (Rupees one thousand) only. Members of the Institute may borrow up to two items for a fifteen day loan period. Items may be renewed for another loan period of fifteen days, provided the items have not been requested by another user.

Once an item has reached its renewal limit, it must be returned to the Library and may be borrowed again by the same user only when it has been returned back to the Library and no other user had booked it in advance.

It is the borrower's responsibility to ensure that items are returned to the Library on time (please see "Renewals and Fines" below).

Non-members cannot borrow any item from the Library.

Certain publications such as IDSA publications, Yearbooks and all journals are for reference only.

Renewals and Fines

  • Borrowed items must be returned or renewed by 5:00pm on the due date.
  • Renewals may be made in person or by telephone and by email during Library opening hours.
  • Fines for overdue items are charged at a rate of Rs. 2 per item per day.
  • Fines must be paid before further books are borrowed or existing loans renewed.
  • Items lost while on loan will be charged to the borrower at the full replacement cost, including delivery charges where applicable.
  • Items not renewed (if applicable) or returned to the Library after 3 reminder notices have been issued will be deemed to have been lost by the borrower and will be charged as above.

Photocopying and printing

A manned photocopier is available for use at the rate of Paisa 75 per exposure (A4 size paper). All photocopying must comply with copyright legislation.

For queries, contact:
G. C. K. Rai
The Librarian/Information Officer
The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses
No. 1, Development Enclave, Adjacent to USI
Rao Tularam Marg
Delhi Cantt.
New Delhi 110 010
Tel: 91-11-2671 7983 (30 lines)
Fax: 91-11-2615 4191
Email: idsa.library@gmail.com