The British Library is one of the world’s foremost research libraries with a fantastic range of resources. It is one of the UK’s six legal deposit libraries, which means that it should receive a copy of every UK publication. The British Library’s London site is at King’s Cross St. Pancras, but in order to use the reading rooms everyone must register for a reader pass. If you arrive without having done this, you will not be admitted. Due to the current pandemic there are additional arrangements in place to ensure that everyone stays safe; currently you will need to book in advance if you want to visit, even if you only wish to use the space and don't intend on viewing any materials. Further information on how to access the British Library in the current circumstances can be found on their webpages; do have a read so that you know what to expect.
Bear in mind that because the British Library collections are so vast you cannot simply browse the shelves like you would in most other libraries. Collection items are stored in huge basements or at the British Library’s other site in Yorkshire, so you must be prepared to factor in the appropriate delivery time which will be indicated when you place your order.
Also, British Library readers get access to a wide range of e-resources which can be searched on a separate catalogue, although it is important to bear in mind that many have to be viewed in the reading rooms and are not available remotely.
Depending on your research area, below is a selection of specialist libraries in London that may be of interest. Make sure to read the admission regulations before visiting, and remember that there are likely to be restrictions and additional procedures in place at the moment due to COVID-19.
British Film Institute
British Museum Library
City Business Library
Imperial War Museum Library
London Transport Museum Library
Museum of London Library
National Army Museum Templer Study Centre
National Art Library (Victoria and Albert Museum)
National Maritime Museum Library
Natural History Museum Library
RIBA Library
Royal Society Library
Sackler Library and Archive (Design Museum)
Science Museum Library
St. Bride Printing Library
Wellcome Library
Women’s Library
Library Hub Discover is a union catalogue; it allows you to perform a single search across the collections of many of the UK’s Higher Education and scholarly libraries to see what they hold.
In order to be able to visit and make use of the collections held at other universities, you should investigate the SCONUL Access scheme. We are a member institution but bear in mind that when you visit another university library you will not be able to access their subscribed e-resources. More information can be found on our SCONUL Access scheme page.
The Access to Research service gives free, walk-in access to over 15 million academic articles and research in participating public libraries across the UK.
