The British Library uses CCTV, and other related technologies such as passive terahertz body scanners, on all of our physical sites for the purposes of safety and security management. We do this in the performance of our public task to protect the UK’s national collection of its published output, and in order to protect the vital interests of our staff and visitors.

CCTV footage is retained for 31 days before being automatically overwritten, and security scan records are retained for 24 hrs, unless deliberately archived for evidential purposes in the event of a security incident.

Upon request, we will routinely provide copies of our CCTV records to the police in the performance of their legitimate duties.

Further information about our use of CCTV can be found in our CCTV Policy.