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Research

Our collections, study spaces and services are open to everyone. Whether you're an academic or conducting personal research, all you need is a free Reader Pass.

A woman sits, looking serious and wearing in-ear headphones, at a laptop, in the public study spaces of the British Library in London.

Get your free Reader Pass to request items and use Reading Rooms

Discover what's available in our collections

Find study spaces in London and West Yorkshire

Search our main catalogue

How to access our collections

Get your free Reader Pass

A library card that gives you free access to our world-leading collections and Reading Rooms.

Search our catalogues

Browse our catalogues to find the item you want.

Request an item

Request items before you come to the Library. Some items are available same day.

Come to the Library

Visit our Reading Rooms in London or Yorkshire to view the items you have requested.

Get your Reader Pass

What can I do at the Library?

We're a bit different to your local library. We house the national collection, with many unique items. You can't take books home, but you can use our Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire for personal study and to access our collections.

A view of a woman from above. She sits at a desk in the British Library Boston Spa Reading Room, consulting a number of open books.

Our collections

You can access millions of collection items for free. Including books, newspapers, maps, sound recordings, photographs, patents and stamps.

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View from above of the Humanities Reading Room in the British Library in London, with people sat at desks.

Reading Rooms and study spaces

Use our free study spaces in London and West Yorkshire. They have comfy seats, power outlets and free Wi-Fi.

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A young man talks to a woman in front of a computer screen at the Reading Room helpdesk in the British Library in London

Help and advice

Questions about using our services or collection? Our friendly Reference team is here to help.

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Shelves of bound newspapers at the British Library.

Research guides

Research and collection guides to help you use our catalogue, request collection items, and explore resources.

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Other services for researchers

Three people stand together at a British Library networking event.

Research events

Explore events for researchers – free intro sessions to help you use the Library, doctoral open days, and scholars lunchtime talks.

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A woman looks at an illuminated display on the wall, showing pages from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

Stories about our collections

Uncover the wonders of our collections through our blogs, articles, and news.

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Girl reading a book.

Research collaboration

The British Library offers opportunities for researchers to collaborate to create new knowledge, with a focus on the British Library’s collections.

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Magnifying glass with bookshelves in background.

Collection metadata services

We offer a range of metadata services to libraries, publishers, researchers and the cultural heritage sector.

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Man operating scanning equipment.

Digitise your collections

The British Library's digitisation services include scoping, funding advice, photography, scanning, multispectral assessment and high-quality printing.

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Three people stand around a map at a table in Nottingham Library.

Find a local library near you

LibraryOn is a single online home for libraries and library users across the country – offering an easy way to find, understand and use your local library’s services.

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Research resources, services and help - The British Library