Ashoka University Library: Curiosity, Knowledge and Community

Libraries are the intellectual centres of academic institutions — serving as repositories of knowledge and spaces for inspiration. At Ashoka, the HDFC Library embodies this spirit, standing as a vibrant hub of curiosity, intellectual growth and community engagement. 

With its expansive collection of 91,350 print volumes and a variety of e-books, e-journals and e-archives,  it’s a cornerstone of learning, a sanctuary for students, faculty, and researchers alike. For students like Nandhana (UG’24), the library is a peaceful haven for focused study, while for senior scholars like Upinder Singh (Professor of History), the library has been an essential resource for not just her teaching, but also her research pursuits. 

This hybrid library is not just a physical collection of books. It seamlessly integrates this with digital access, enabling users to explore its resources anytime, anywhere. This adaptability came particularly handy during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a vital source of support for students. Vighnesh Hampapura (ASP’21) recalls how, when students couldn’t access the library, the library team offered to mail physical books to them with no extra charges – this thoughtful initiative kept the Ashoka community connected to knowledge even in challenging times. 

For those who walk through its doors, the library offers a sense of awe. The shelves house treasures ranging from rare works by Shelley and Keats to contemporary titles in a range of Indian languages. To Sumana Roy (Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing) the library has always been a reliable partner in her academic pursuits. She notes, “There has not been an occasion when I have made a request for some obscure essay that the library staff has not located for me.” 

The HDFC Library envisions itself as a cornerstone in supporting the institution’s academic goals. It has established agreements with regional libraries, publishers, and content aggregators to offer specialised research materials. At the core of the impressive collection of works also lies the spirit of philanthropy – with every third book being donated by multiple benefactors, including Ashoka faculty, founders, leading academicians, renowned authors, and others. This expansive collection is supplemented by modern features like self-check-in kiosks, advanced discovery systems and interlibrary loan services – enhancing accessibility and the overall user experience. These innovations also reflect the University’s vision of blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. 

But the HDFC Library is more than just a repository, it is a dynamic space where ideas and people converge. Kshirin (ASP ‘22) recounts the camaraderie shared during finals, where study groups would transform the library into a lively hub of collaboration. The library also hosts workshops, book talks and exhibitions, fostering a culture of intellectual and creative exchange.

Looking ahead, the HDFC Library aspires to grow further – expanding its digital collections, creating collaborative spaces and deepening its role as one of the pillars of learning at Ashoka. In its dual role as a sanctuary for study and a dynamic community hub, the Library remains at the heart of Ashoka’s mission. It hopes to inspire generations of students – to learn, collaborate and shape a brighter future.