Our international work

International partnerships

Our international work includes multiple collaborations, projects and relationships. We work with library sector partners worldwide to make connections, share knowledge and further the work of libraries internationally.

What we do

• Deliver international priorities under the Knowledge Matters strategy (PDF, 2.8MB).
• Manage and support the Library’s international projects, partnerships and collaborations.
• Contribute to the professional dialogue across the library sector.
• Organise skills and knowledge exchanges with international partners.
• Coordinate professional and diplomatic visits.

International Library Leaders Programme

Our International Library Leaders Programme presents a rare opportunity to join an intimate group of mid-career international library professionals at the British Library. Over the course of one week, participants gain valuable insights into our strategies, initiatives, and programmes, meeting our experts to learn from their experiences of dealing with the everyday issues facing libraries today.

The application deadline for this year’s programme, which will run 1-8 July 2026, has now passed but if you are interested in finding out more about the programme you can hear what last year’s delegates said and download the 2026 brochure (PDF, 1.4MB).

If you would like to be notified when applications for the next programme are open, please contact us at international@bl.uk.

Endangered Archives Programme

The Endangered Archives Programme (EAP) facilitates the digitisation of archives around the world that are in danger of destruction, neglect or physical deterioration.

Knowledge without borders

Find out about the impact of our international work with partners around the world in our report Knowledge without borders (PDF, 1.4MB).