Our international work
We work collaboratively with library partners around the world to share knowledge and ideas.
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.
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).
Our international work
Support our work
We want to expand our reach and impact through our exciting and new projects, programmes and collaboration and welcome enquiries from anyone with an interest in supporting our international work.
Frequently asked questions
Visiting the British Library as an international reader or visitor
Do you provide letters of invitation for visa applications?
Please note that we are unable to provide official letters of invitation for UK visa applications.
Do you provide letters of invitation for grant applications?
We can provide a letter of invitation if you require one to apply for a research grant.
Please email international@bl.uk with the following information:
- Your full name
- The postal address of your institution
- The dates of your visit.
Please allow for 20 working days to receive your letter once we have received the required information.
Do you provide certificates of attendance?
Please note that we are unable to provide Proof of Attendance letters for British Library readers using the Reading Rooms.
Once you have obtained a reader card from our reader registration team, you will have access to the British Library collection.
We suggest that you then take your own request notes of the items accessed or used whilst in the reading rooms as proof of your attendance.
Do you offer tours of the British Library for international visitors?
Yes, tours of the British Library building in St Pancras can be booked.
Placements and internships
Do you offer international internships?
We occasionally advertise paid internship and unpaid volunteering positions, often in some of our most exciting, specialist areas. Check for early careers opportunities.
Do you offer research collaboration opportunities or fellowships?
We lead and collaborate with specialists from other cultural organisations and universities on research of all kinds.
We work with partners and funders to offer a variety of fellowship programmes for scholars to pursue their own research interests and develop professional expertise. Find out more about our fellowship opportunities.
International librarians
Do you offer training for international librarians?
Our flagship leadership training for international librarians is the International Library Leaders Programme, which takes place every Summer at the British Library. Find more information on the application process and dates.
Our Endangered Archives Programme Hubs deliver training across the year in our network of Hubs. Find upcoming online and in-person training opportunities.
I’m a professional librarian and would like to connect with British Library colleagues. Who should I contact?
If you are a professional librarian and would like to connect with the British Library international team, please email international@bl.uk.
Contact us
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our international team's activities and projects.
Email international@bl.uk