The Library of S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences i.e. SNB Library strives to evolve as a model and leading basic sciences library in eastern India. The collection comprises of more than 10,000 documents mainly in the fields of Physics (Astrophysics, Quantum Mechanics, Solid States, Optics, Particle Physics, Mechanics, etc.), Computer Science, Mathematics, Electronics, Laser, Chemistry, Biology, Material Science, Nano Science and Technology, etc.
It is primarily intended for the faculty, staff members, consultants, scholars, students of S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences. However, outside users viz., professionals, bona fide research scholars, bona fide students, etc. also make use of the library. It has resource sharing arrangements with other similar organizations in Kolkata.
The library also makes provision for general reading. Books in social sciences and humanities. Library subscribes 25 popular magazines and receives a good number of periodicals in exchange and also subscribes 13 newspapers are purchased towards this end. The institutional membership at the Library and Information Services, British Council also enhances this service.
The library is fully computerized with the installation of LIBSYS 4 (on Linux platform). A server and 20 PCs, multimedia, scanners, colour printer, lamination machine, CD - writers, are also part of the set-up. The electronic databases at the Library cover monographs, journals, annual reports, CD/DVD-ROMs.
The library subscribes to 234 journals. Most of the journals have online access.