Skip to content

Accessibility statement

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 operates a number of websites, subsites, and online services ("Sites").

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.

This accessibility statement applies to our main website at https://www.bl.uk.

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
  • 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, please 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

This website is fully compliant with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

How we tested this website

This website was last tested on 4 July 2025. A full review of the site was carried out by Polteq Test Services, and a representative sample of the site was validated by the British Library using both Wave and Google Lighthouse.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This accessibility statement was prepared on 4 July 2025. It was last updated on 4 July 2025.