Help

Here's a guide to using the British Library's Imaging Services. It covers everything you need to know about ordering images from the British Library

You can order images from the British Library using our online order form. Before doing this, however, we recommend you check the following:

• That the item you want is not already available to buy and download from Images Online, our online picture library
• That you are allowed to copy the material you want under copyright law or have obtained permission to copy it from the rights holder
• That you will be able to use the image you order in the way you want. If you want to reproduce the image in a publication or broadcast, you will need to obtain permissions from the Library and sometimes from the rights holders of the material
• That you have calculated the prices of the items you wish to order using our price list.
• If you want to order full articles or chapters, please use the British Library On Demand service.

Completing the order form

After you’ve entered your personal details into the order form, you need to select your delivery method and then provide details of the material you want to order. If you need to order more items, please complete a separate order form.

You will need the British Library shelfmark or manuscript number for each item. Shelfmarks can be found by searching Explore the British Library and manuscript numbers can be found by searching Explore Archives and Manuscripts.

You’ll also need to provide the title of the item and the pages or folio numbers you want. If you can, it’s also advisable to provide the author and publication date to help us find the right item. You can give us any further information you think would help us to get your order right, for example if you only want the illustration on a page, tell us that in the additional information box or email ImagingServicesOrders@bl.uk.

For each item, select the kind of image you want us to produce for you. Details of our products and prices are available on our pricing page.

Confirmation

When you submit your Imaging Services order online, we will confirm the details of your order before you pay. This will include an order reference number. You should make a note of this number so you can quote it if you get in contact with us about your order.