The HOS Library is held in the Special Collections section of the Hartley Library in Southampton University. It occupies about 35 shelves and includes an estimated 8000 items. There are around 80 books (mostly species guides), but the majority of the collection consists of bird reports, magazines, journals and periodicals. These include productions by various ringing groups, local and county bird groups, the RSPB, BTO, British Birds, Scottish Birds, etc.
For HOS members wishing to access the library, it is via the Reception on Floor 2 – University Road side of the building. Personal identification will be required. There is a website for the HOS collection which gives full details of the collection and information on how to become an External Borrower.