Accessibility statement for the British Library websites

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites. The following statement includes information on scope, compliance and what to do if you cannot access parts of these websites.

This page is about the accessibility of our websites. See our visitor information pages for accessibility at the British Library's buildings.

 

Introduction

We want as many people as possible to be able to use these websites. For example, that means you should be able to:

  • change contrast levels and fonts
  • zoom in up to 200% without the text spilling off the screen
  • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
  • navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

 

Scope

The British Library is committed to making its websites accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

The British Library operates a number of websites, subsites, and online services (“Sites”).

This accessibility statement applies generally to all of our Sites. Further information about each of our individual Sites is available via the menu on this page. 

 

How accessible these websites are

We know some parts of our Sites are not fully accessible. Further information about each of our individual Sites is available via the menu on this page.

 

What to do if you cannot access parts of these websites

If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille:

  • Email: FOI-Enquiries@bl.uk
  • Phone: 01937 546 060 (Customer Services)
  • Write to: Corporate Information Unit, British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

We’ll consider your request and get back to you within 20 working days.

 

Reporting accessibility problems with these websites

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems not listed on the page for a specific Site or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact the Head of Corporate Information Management by email at FOI-Enquiries@bl.uk, or in writing at Corporate Information Unit, British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB.

 

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, please contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

 

Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person

We provide a text relay service for people who are D/deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech impediment: Textphone 01937 546 434.

Hearing induction loops are fitted at all Library Information and Enquiry Desks, or if you contact us before your visit we may be able to arrange a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.

 

Compliance status 

Further information about each of our individual Sites is available via the menu on this page.

 

Non-accessible content

Further information about each of our individual Sites is available via the menu on this page.

 

How we tested these websites

Further information about each of our individual Sites is available via the menu on this page.

 

Preparation of this accessibility statement

Our accessibility statements were prepared on 17 September 2019. They were last updated on 25 April 2023.