Our business and management collections are a fantastic resource for contemporary and historical research. As the UK’s national patent library we have a comprehensive collection of intellectual property information. If you are an inventor or interested in running or growing a business then our Business & IP Centre can help with information and advice.

Collection guides

Readers at desks in the Business & IP Centre

Business & IP Centre

The Business & IP Centre Reading Room is the focus for business, patent and trade mark research at the British Library.

The staff have extensive knowledge of these subject areas and are happy to help researchers explore our resources.

The Centre offers a range of services designed to help new businesses get started and existing businesses to grow.

You’ll need a Reader Pass

Monday: 10.00 – 20.00
Tuesday: Thu 09.30 – 20.00
Friday – Saturday: 09.30 – 17.00
Sunday and English Public Holidays: closed 

Opening hours for all Reading Rooms

More information is available at Business & IP Centre. For enquiries, please contact the Business & IP Reference Team.

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Inventors and Inventions (hardback)

A compendium of the history of invention. It charts the major innovations of human history, calling out the minds behind some of the most profound and transformative technologies created.

£24.95

The Book of the British Library

As well as holding some of the world's most prized cultural treasures, the British Library is the repository of the nation's collective memory.

£25.00