Cyber-attack recovery update

In November 2023 the attackers released some of our data onto the dark web including some personal user information. We've contacted our users to alert them to this incident and to offer advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on how to protect themselves, including updating their passwords on other systems.

Because our systems were badly damaged during the cyber-attack they remain unavailable, so you can't change the password for our services. However, if you use the same password for non-British Library services, we recommend that you change it as a precaution.

The NCSC offers advice on staying secure online, including how to create a strong password, as well as specific guidance for individuals who may have been impacted by a data breach.

If you have any questions relating to your data you can email our Data Protection Officer at data.governance@bl.uk.

Please note that we may not be able to identify exactly what information was compromised given the nature of the attack and we might not be able to action these requests at the moment, but will attempt to do so when we again have access to our systems.

Because our previous systems are unavailable, you won't be able to change the password you have previously used to access British Library services. However, if you use the same password, or one similar, to access other, non-British Library services, we recommend that you change it as a precaution.

If you have not already done so you should take this action immediately. The NCSC provides guidance on staying safe online, as well as specific guidance for individuals who may have been impacted by a data breach.

The attack caused multiple capabilities to be destroyed simultaneously which has required a rebuild of our entire technology infrastructure, a process of considerable complexity. While we continue this work, we have published this guide, which provides the latest service availability so you can make an informed choice before you visit.

Our buildings in London and Yorkshire are open as usual, but some of our services are limited. You can use our Reading Rooms and public areas for personal study and order the majority of our collection to the Reading Rooms to consult. Unfortunately our digital collection and access to electronic resources is currently unavailable, and we don’t have PCs or other equipment in our Reading Rooms.

You can find the latest service availability in this guide, so you can make an informed choice before you visit. If you need further help, please contact our Reference team.

Our exhibitions and events are all going ahead as planned, and our Treasures Gallery, shops, cafés and restaurants in London are open as usual. Find out more and plan your visit.

Please email customer@bl.uk and we'll come back to you as soon as we can.