The UP School of Economics (UPSE) Library started in 1965 when the School was established as a separate unit of the University of the Philippines. The Library collection of the former Institute of Economic Development and Research (IEDR) formed the core collection of the School of Economics Library.

At present, the print collection of the Library is comprised of more than 80,000 volumes of books.

Over the years, the Library developed and expanded its collections of monographs, periodicals and other documents in support of the three functional programs of the School, namely: instruction, research and extension.

The Library Main Reading Area can accommodate up to 150 users at a time. 

The Library moved into its three-storey building, financed with a grant from the Japanese government in April 1978 and subsequently opened its doors to the public in June 1978.

Mini-exhibits are put up every month in a small part of the Main Reading Area to inform the library users about current events and library resources related to said events.

Located on the second floor are the Circulation and Reserve Books section, the Reference section, the General Circulation section, the OPAC and Datasets Terminals, the Main Reading Area, the BSP Knowledge Center, Discussion Rooms, Head Librarian’s Office, and staff workrooms.

The third floor houses the Filipiniana and Serials section, Archives Room, Discussion Rooms, workrooms for the School’s publications, and a smaller reading area.