Science Library in Vilhelm Bjerknes hus
Welcome!
Find your favorite place to work, meet fellow students over a cup of coffee, find academic literature, or get help and guidance from a librarian.
The library focuses on subject areas within the natural sciences and is open to all users!
You can find the Science Library in Vilhelm Bjerknes hus at Blindern.
At our library you can
- read and work, on your own or together with others
- reserve group study rooms, a 3D printer and the podcast studio
- catch the live broadcast of Abels Tårn on Fridays – with free waffles
- attend events and exhibitions
- unwind with PlayStation or a science fiction book in the Bjørnehjørnet lounge
Studying at the Science Library
You’ll find quiet study areas in the library and in a separate quiet reading room.
There are practical group study rooms for collaborative work on every floor.
Study together or relax in the social areas.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the toilets?
Most of the toilets are on the lower ground floor, but there is also one in the Bjørnehjørnet area.
Can I print, copy and scan?
Yes, you can. Read more about printing, copying and scanning.
Where can I fill up my water bottle?
You can fill up your bottle using the water tap in the foyer and on the 2nd mezzanine, or in the toilets on the lower ground floor.
Is there anywhere nearby where I can buy food and drink?
- Realistforeningen runs its own café on the lower ground floor.
- Påfyll Abels is on the ground floor of Niels Henrik Abels hus.
- You will find several eateries and a grocery shop in Frederikkebygget, just across the square from Vilhelm Bjerknes hus.
You may eat in the library, but hot food and food that smells strongly or makes a lot of noise must be eaten outside the library. Be considerate and tidy up after yourself.
Where do I report if it is too cold or too hot?
Use UiO’s “Speak up” pages. Here you can also report other issues or incidents you want to notify UiO about.
Can I return books when the library is closed?
Yes, you can return books in the returns box just outside the library entrance. Please note that the books will only be registered as returned during the library’s staffed opening hours.
Remember that you can return books at all UiO libraries.
Where can I find lost property?
Where did you last have it? :-) We keep lost property at the library desk.
There is a trolley in the library for lost property. Valuables, personal books and small items are kept at the library desk. We regularly hand in bank cards and similar items to the Security Operation Centre.
Is there access with a UiO card outside opening hours?
Yes, there is. See the opening hours here.
Do you have a quiet room for resting?
Yes, it is in the Bjørnehjørnet area. Ask at the library desk to borrow the key.
Can I use the 3D printer?
Yes, the 3D printer is available to all UiO staff and students.
Can I record my podcast in the podcast studio?
The podcast studio is available to all UiO staff and students who produce non-commercial scientific podcasts that are published as UiO-affiliated podcasts and follow UiO’s publishing guidelines and standard journalistic practice.
Where can I get IT help?
IT help has moved out of the Science Library and into the foyer of Georg Sverdrups hus.
Is the library accessible for people with disabilities?
The Science Library is partially adapted for people with disabilities. There is a lift in the building, and you will find an accessible toilet on the lower ground floor.
Read more about accessibility in Vilhelm Bjerknes hus.
If you need adjustments, for example a permanent study space, please contact your faculty.
May I film and take photographs in the library?
Yes, but you will often need prior approval. Read about the guidelines for filming and photography here. (In norwegian)
Our printed collections
Read more about our extensive and diverse collections, including books, journals, science fiction, popular science, general natural sciences, and rare book treasures.
See what it's like here
Study together or by yourself.
Photo: Jarli&Jordan/UiO
Study seats with a view.
Photo: Jarli&Jordan/UiO
Borrow a book!
Photo: Jarli&Jordan/UiO
Welcome!
Photo: Jarli&Jordan/UiO
News
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Open Access Week 2026: The Cost of Knowledge Oct. 12, 2026
From 19 to 25 October, the global research community marks International Open Access Week. This year’s theme is “The Cost of Knowledge”.
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Welcome to the start of studies at the University Library! Aug. 6, 2026
Dear students! August has arrived once again after a long and lovely summer, and we are excited to welcome all students!
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The University Library recommends LGBTQ+ literature June 3, 2026
The University Library's collection contains a lot of LGBTQ+ literature. Here we present subject books and fiction related to lgbtq+ themes, gender and sexuality.
Resources by subject
Find databases, recommended reading, reliable sources, and contact information for the subject librarians at the University Library.