The University of Sydney Library - Fisher Library

225 reviews

The University of Sydney, F03, Eastern Ave, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia

library.sydney.edu.au

+61293512993

About

The University of Sydney Library - Fisher Library is a Library located at The University of Sydney, F03, Eastern Ave, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia. It has received 225 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 stars.

Photos

Hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The University of Sydney Library - Fisher Library: The University of Sydney, F03, Eastern Ave, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia

  • The University of Sydney Library - Fisher Library has 4.1 stars from 225 reviews

  • Library

  • "I''l let you decide if this security guard is power tripping and potentially racist"

    "Never a seat/desk available"

    "In a way, this place reminds me of a squatter camp"

    "Dear Sydney Uni, what have you done to my beloved Fisher? I remember my first visit"

    "Good place to study and do work, however, it's almost impossible to find a table from 10 am - 5 pm 7 days a week, especially during middle or end of university semester times"

Reviews

  • Taylor D

I''l let you decide if this security guard is power tripping and potentially racist. Saturday 18 November 2023, 6pm. Friend and I left our card inside the library to get food. She was very reluctant to get up to open the door. When she saw our food she got unnecessarily aggressive saying we are not allowed to bring food in. Untrue, students are allowed to heat up their food in the microwave in the library. We felt targeted because there were other students bringing food to eat in the kitchen but she not only singled us out but was very pompous when she spoke to us. I am not East asian even though I look like I am. Spotted 2 asian girls sitting outside in the windy cold weather eating as they were not allowed in with their food. I requested to speak to someone in charge but she said "I said no means no" while pointing the sign that says take outs are encouraged to be eaten outside. When I ask to speak to her manager she just ignored me and say there’s no manager. I had to call campus security. She had no choice but to let us in. Campus security claimed that this is the first time she received complains. I strongly suspect there are other students who decided to let things slide therefore she never received complains. We are fee paying students here to study not to be spoken down to. I have 0 issue with the other fisher library security guards who check our cards and do their job PROFESSIONALLY. This lady look annoyed every time she had to get up to open the door for others who left their cards inside. If you do not like getting up, maybe this is not the job for you? EDIT: My friend called me on her way out of the library saying this security lady asked about me and told my friend that she knows I reported her. Not sure if it is some weird intimidation tactic but honestly I’m in the pits of exam week and that’s scarier than this lady. Respect goes both ways. Never hurts to be courteous and profession.

  • Andrew Legend

Never a seat/desk available. On the upside, the library has a relatively nice setup - good lighting, strong wifi and reasonable desk arrangements. On the downside, almost every time I attempt to use Fisher Library - there are no seats/desks available. I will use up my valuable time (everyone's time is valuable to them) travelling to the library and then traversing it floor by floor by floor in the desperate hope of finding a free seat/desk - but, almost every time I visit Fisher Library - there is nary (i.e. not) a desk available. And the situation will remain static for hours, so waiting does not help. Instead, I have to leave and try to find a public library that hopefully has desks and not just floor cushions. -- This is what happens when a university enrols thousands and thousands more students than it can truly accommodate.

  • Jianlin Tang

In a way, this place reminds me of a squatter camp. I come too this library very often. I try to find a place to study, but everywhere I look there are students. Students using all the desks. Students using all the chairs. Students with chairs but couldn't find a desk. Students sitting on the floors in between the chairs. Students using the stairs as their desk. Always I come in hope. But never I find my desk. Today is no exception. I searched everywhere, from the lowest of floors, to the highest. But every available place was taken. So I think to myself - lets be positive. I can have an early lunch instead! But when I went to use one of the microwaves, oh my! The queue was too impressive! So I went home. I am here from China studying at the Sydney University. And this is my experience too very often. No thank you!

  • Nicola Bodill

Dear Sydney Uni, what have you done to my beloved Fisher? I remember my first visit. I was absolutely gobsmacked by the miles of shelving, as befits the largest book collection in the Southern hemisphere. I gazed on in wonder, a rush of excitement hammering in my heart. I spent hours aimlessly and delightedly purusing its shelves, especially enthralled by the large Classics section (and stumbling across some fantastic finds, including 'Latin Synonymes', an incredibly useful tome that was almost 200 years old). Now, after the renovation, I admit Fisher has been transformed into an excellent study space. But it is no longer an excellent library. The Classics section has been whittled down to less than a quarter of its former size, books either chucked out, sold, or stowed away in reserve.

  • Dat Fish

Good place to study and do work, however, it's almost impossible to find a table from 10 am - 5 pm 7 days a week, especially during middle or end of university semester times. The facility is alright, the kitchen often have something broken, and it usually takes several weeks or months before they decide to fix it. The staff at the front door is sometimes a person who gives off bad vibes, and often have harsh tone when talking. ID checks is annoying, and often they disrupt your work specifically to ask for ID, but then proceeds to leave once you start looking for your ID, which can disrupt a lot of your time if you are doing something important at the time. Lots of smokers around the area despite the massive and hundreds of no smoking signs, staff don't care about the smokers though.

  • Azemina Ay

I love using this building for studying, the individual study spaces where the books are stored in the south wing of the building is an excellent space to study. The desk spaces are a good size and it's very quiet. Also, the amount of windows is really appreciated, it provides good natural lighting and somewhere to look out during a study break #windowseat :).The division of spaces throughout the floors of the library is appreciated too, with group, quiet and silent zones. The lack of a full 5 stars is due to the cleanliness of the building. Unfortunately, some library users do not keep the eating space on level 3 clean OR use the bathrooms improperly and ruin it for everyone else.

  • Pat Norman

This cavernous space, this monolith of learning, this corridor of books and uncertainty. When the whole of Sydney was plunged into the tyranny of the lockout laws, Fisher Library continued to operate 24/7 for those who preferred a book to a martini (I prefer both, but that's not for this space). I'm biased of course, but I think everyone here is lovely. My favourite thing about Fisher is the periodic announcements that begin with 'bing bong'. Whoever does that is amazing and really brings the joy to this grand old girl. Come here for the books, stay for the fun.

  • Chen Yan

Fisher is always my first choice for study, but this place is only good for study not any other things. I brought some chicken nuggets and instant noodles for lunch. I am 100% sure I pressed the hot water button but it came cold water which destroyed my noodles. There are only two microwaves and one of them is broken, you need to line up for 10 minutes for It. The dinning area is also dirty. By the way the sink in Level 4’s male toilet has just clogged and let’s see when it will be fixed.

  • Michael Lever

Despite the modernising Fahrenheit 451 purge that eradicated large portions of the most glorious fusty smelling books, the building maintains its down-at heel academic chic appeal with aisles that remain unlit until entered, elevators that rarely work, and a mid-dark brown poorly lit decor that frequently smells of instant noodles. All this just adds to the wonderful sense of upper class shabby slumming it- don't you know.

  • Tianchi He

Really good for students who would study the whole night, especially when the final exam is due. In the dawn, cleaners will vacuum the whole library floor by floor, making it really noisy. It do made the place clean as the toilet must be cleaned otherwise there are toilet paper thrown everywhere. The library is connected to new law building underground, more study places are available there with rather less crowded.

  • Jenny

Pretty difficult to find a seat. I think you need to reserve the private tables and there's a maximum time you can do it for (and it's quite short, from memory). Also, it's eerily quiet in here. Kinda makes you feel uncomfortable to eat, or grab something from your bag, or even say hi to someone you know who may be passing you. But otherwise, its a good place to study.

  • Brian Brennan

A large and noisy and smelly cooking and eating space. Microwaves are available, but not the book you are searching for. Thousands of books have been banished to a special prison for books far away. This was once a great university library but alas it is now is merely a social centre for those wanting conversations and get-togethers. Impossible to read there.

  • Daryl “Dino”

Fairly decent library, and it is one that is 24 hours open for Sydney University students. That being said, it is a struggle to find seats or study spaces at times and the areas can turn pretty messy or dirty. It definitely doesn't give you a modern vibe like the law or business school. Other than that, it seems to serve its purpose!

  • Clara Riordan

Racist security guards ): The guard asked an asian girl in front of me to show him her uni ID and then didn't even ask for mine- just let me walk right through. Another time I brought my boyfriend here, he's from UNSW, and wouldn't let him study with me on a Sunday. All students should be allowed! Really stupid rules.

  • Kayla Jackson

Very big and very crowded. Its relatively quite and great for group studying. Unfortunately its isn't very useful in regards to its purpose, being a library. Its so difficult to find a book there. Requires a fair amount of searching and there isn't a huge number of staff. The staff avaliable are a great help though

  • Fariha Hassan

I don't know why its so dirty and not well maintained. I wonder what's the use of having such slow computers here. Wasted around 45minutes trying to print something. I am very disappointed with Usyd's ICT. They really gotta work and make things work.

  • Lars Snoeijink

You are only allowed internet access if you're a student here, which in my opinion is a ridiculous concept for a library. Working spaces were alright, but not too comfortable and it isn't too crowded during the day, which is why the two stars

  • Richie

Good study space, has 2 microwaves downstairs and 2 filter water taps. Bathroom cleanliness isn't the best, but also depends on who uses them. Open 24 hours but bring your student card if you plan on staying before/past staffed hours.

  • Hashim Jalil Khan

Sometimes the tables are really dirty and so are the toilets and it's the students who are responsible for that. At times, people leave their belongings to occupy the place which is really bad. The library staff is good tho.

  • in hac lacrimarum Vale

How was Fisher Library? How could Fisher not be amazing? Staff that go out of their way to help; The gorgeously overpowering smell of books throughout the place; And a vibe that says: Come in and enjoy! What more is needed?

  • 凌豪

During my primary school time, my teacher had always been telling us to treat shool as our second home. And I understand what it means now, thoroughly. (Good luck to the final exam for all of you reading this comment.)

  • Jessica Patterson

Easy entry- both stairs and ramp accessible. Info people right at the front. IT people, just around the corner to the left and always helpful, particularly for the IT inept, such as myself!

  • Nima Sotoudeh

Very good library. It is big and spacious with an amazing collection of books and films. One main issue is the number of students smoking outside the building even though it's not allowed.

  • Reza Kahlaee

Literally you may find whatever you need and if it is not available, they procure from other libraries, even from NZ! A great space for studying! a vibrant atmosphere, super helpful staff.

  • Manyluck S

It’s probably the second home of USYD students. Make sure you arrive early to get a space P.s don’t be surprised if you book a desk and find someone there and s/he declines to leave

  • Naoki Takehana

Good place. Large and many study place. When I visit this building, it was so silent. I can't type keyboard Visitor can enter this library only weekdays 9:00am to 5:00pm. …

  • Raj Sharma

Security lady was very rude to alumni. She was on the phone chitchatting with her friends. What happened to the friendly security guys who worked here a couple years ago

  • Katherine S

the ninth floor of fisher library is full of Chinese history within five thousand years even some of that we are not able to read in china...in a word it's awesome

  • Cecil Choi

El Classico of USYD. Surprisingly not many people today despite it being first week. Clean as well no sticky tables like usual. A surprising welcome back to uni.

  • Vincent Yao

The short security lady is the meanest person I have ever seen. She is trying to make all the things complicated. Don’t know why USYD is still hiring her.

  • Emily Lau

Fantastic library - love the architecture and interior design - mix of old and new designs - very lovely place to study - sound booths very soundproof

  • tommy zhang

after years they finally use adjustable chairs. So i don't need to hump in front of the computer. BUT i'm abt to be a alumni real soon. …

  • Alex Zheng

Vibrant atmosphere and good facilities makes it a great place to study. Great views of the uni and Sydney CBD can be seen from upper levels

  • Geoff Cutler

Amazing educational institution. High quality courses and staff. The main campus is beautiful with amazing buildings and great facilities.

  • Nicholas Allan

Not a bad place to watch the cat walk down Eastern ave. You encounter some outstanding sets of personalities on all levels of the library

  • CY Lim

Spent my time here for self-learning. The environment is way better than UTS Library, everyone is very hardworking and keen to learn.

  • Robert Somera

Restricted Access to Current Student after 6pm. Not to mention the Large Rat that sits next to you if you are outside …

  • francis coutinho

Good place for students and book lovers to browse books on various subjects and explore, expand and deepen ones knowledge .

  • Bruno Rodríguez Armesto

The only reason I could finish my degree is because I had Fisher open during the night after my shift and in the weekends.

  • Jessy Lee

Getting in a bar is way easier than getting in uni facilities. That's what my annual 40000 aud tuition fee gets me. Good.

  • Graeme Melrose

Really crowded and generally quite poorly cleaned. Bathrooms are filthy. There are better places to study in Sydney Uni.

  • Daniel Greene

If people actually had some respect for the quiet and silent areas of this library it would be a much better place.

  • Bovey Zhang

This library is pretty cool because it’s open 24/7 to USYD students!! Have you tried having a sleepover here yet??

  • Hafsa Rana

I give it one out of 5 stars because this library isn't just one star, this is The Sun. I would die without it.

  • edy wu

The short security lady is very very rude. How come the uni employ such an uneducated person to work there

  • Max

Seats are very uncomfortable and the inside reminds me of some shelters that were built hundreds of years ago.

  • Anonymous Anonymous

Great place to study , only a pity that the library is only open from 1-5pm on a Sunday during semester.

  • Jordi Balagué

Its only for the university students if you study in other place you can not go inside

  • min yoon

The library is great, however the security at the door (short lady) is very rude.

  • Claire Tobin

No wifi available for public accompanied by some rude and condescending staff

  • wilhelm normandy

Spacious and comfortable library to read and rehydrate on a long summer day.

  • Luke Taylor

There aren't any fish in this building, don't make the same mistake I did :(

  • 姿太子

Spent much time studying here,which is great. Thanks for all the staff.

  • ZhenXiang Wen (Shawn)

Nice and quiet but the staff at information desk is extremely rude.

  • Thiago Valadao Santos

Great area but temperature is not comfortable! Too hot to study!

  • Stefan Wendering

Everyone should have access to the library and the internet.

  • Big Bus Co Bookings

Has all facilities, nice for University of Sydney Students.

  • Matt W

A great place for study. Have spent many many nights here.

  • edy Chandra

Full of services. The best and biggest library in aussie

  • abdullah almohanna

Usually full, but if not it's fairly clean and practical

  • kundai Chihuri (MisteriusChoclateMahn)

There's sleeping pods here if you're looking for them.

  • Wenzhe Wan

早上八点来占座,位置都被人给占了。。。图片上用零食占位置的憨批一上午也没来,请你先4⃣个亲……… …

  • 吕泽荪(April Lyu)

Love Fisher, a really good place to study F**K MATH

  • James Dunn

Staff at the library were friendly and helpful

  • Anakkawee Keattiweerasak

Good facilities and the staff are helpful. :)

  • Яiv L (Origami Rabbit)

A place giving you a peaceful mind to study.

  • Zhang小新

24 小时,什么时候去都可以,9层的风景也很好。设施齐全。有保安,所以无论多晚都很安全。

  • Ray

Really love here. All memories for fighting

  • Lich

해질녘쯤에 가면 학교 진짜 이뻐요. 호그와트 세트장 온 느낌이니까 꼭 가보세요

  • Jesse Irwin

Excellent library with helpful staff

  • Nirmal Gyanwali

Great place with greenery and park.

  • Priya Bhatnagar

I fell in love with the library! ❤️

  • Phyoe Kyaw Thu

Comfort zone to absorb knowledges

  • Yue Li

So terrible parking experience:(

  • Stuart Penning

Harry Potter level inspiration

  • Rage Yassir

Excellent libraryary facility

  • ZILAN HUANG

Luck to be here as a student

  • George Sarspedo

The best place ever ❤ …

  • binbin wu

现代化的图书馆,且对外开放,游客可自由进入,设施很棒!

  • Amna

24 hrs place to study in .

  • 刘刘曦

内部空间很大,学习的氛围浓厚,但是楼下的就差很多了。

  • Om

Give me back my drone >:(

  • Ashish Maliki

Great memories lie here

  • Turlough Guerin

Good memories of study!

  • Dohun Park

U cant do fishing here

  • B

Overcrowded and smelly

  • Brian W Gillan

It's a quiet library.

  • Annan Xie

我的评价是:不如uts lib …

  • Micheal Roland

Great place to study

  • Miya

This place scares me

  • Yiyi Xie

经常学习的地方 环境超好 很安全很安静

  • Sajid Mujeeb Khan

Amazing experience

  • Daniel Bergin

Great library!

  • G Aldossari

  • Sharon

Nice library

  • Fin chang

以前考試唸書的好地方

  • Laiba Fs

Excellent

  • Oscar T.

not bad

  • 赵人谊

我最爱的图书馆

  • 王路

浓厚的历史感

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