British Library Reference Services

We are here to help! If you think our collections and resources could help your research, get in touch with us! You don't need to be a reader, or a UK resident.🗺️ Use our chat service for quick questions (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm BST) bit.ly/BritLibaryChat

We’ve restored access to our hard copy newspaper collection, which you can now consult in our Newsroom in London, and Boston Spa in Yorkshire 📰 Search for what you need in our catalogue, and place your request using our new online form: bl.uk/research

We’ve now released 1,000 of our digitised manuscripts, including the Sherborne Missal, My Ladye Nevells Booke, and Octateuch, Four Gospels and Synodicon. This is an interim resource and we'll be improving and adding to it as soon as we can: bit.ly/BLDigitisedMan…

We’ve launched a new system for you to request collection items, so you no longer need to use paper tickets in our Reading Rooms, and you can request items in advance. Find out more: bl.uk/research/

When our new system for requesting collection items launches on 30 Sep, you'll need a Reader Pass issued/renewed since 21 March 2024, due to system changes after last year's cyber-attack. We recommend renewing early, so you can request items right away: bit.ly/BLReaderPass

Next week, access to around 1,000 of our digitised manuscripts will be restored. This will be the first tranche of manuscripts to be released, making them available for the first time since the cyber-attack.

If you would like further information on what's happening at the British Library bl.uk - keep to date

Interested in learning about conservation for digitisation of library and archive material? The @britishlibrary in collaboration with @inBritish is offering 2 Conservation for Digitisation placements at the British Library in 2025. For more info + app 👇 britishcouncil.in/events/conserv…

Our Buddhism on the Silk Roads learning resource is already live on the IDP website. Explore collection items, a specialist glossary, and articles on topics such as the transmission of Buddhism. ​ bit.ly/479wLBS

Sailing ship illustration from the Letter of Damar Wulan [MSS Jav 89] This is one of our illustrated Indonesian manuscripts and it is available online through the Library of Congress here: loc.gov/item/202166803…

Dates have been announced for the restoration of more of our services, including remote ordering, Boston Spa retrievals, non-print legal deposit, digitized manuscripts etc. You can find details in the new blog post by Roly Keating here: blogs.bl.uk/living-knowled…

When our new system for requesting collection items launches in September, you'll need a Reader Pass that has been issued or renewed since 21 March 2024 to use it. This requirement is due to changes in our systems following last year's cyber-attack. We recommend renewing your pass early in September if possible, and we'll let you know when you can request items remotely again. bit.ly/BLReaderPass

You can also send us more in-depth enquiries via email: bl.libanswers.com/form?queue_id=…

We are here to help! If you think our collections and resources could help your research, get in touch with us! You don't need to be a reader, or a UK resident.🗺️ Use our chat service for quick questions (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm BST) bit.ly/BritLibaryChat

We are experiencing intermittent Wi-Fi issues at both our St Pancras and Boston Spa sites. We are working to solve the issue. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Due to an ongoing technical issue our Treasures Gallery currently remains closed. We’ll update our website and social media channels when we’re able to reopen. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience.

Due to a technical issue our Treasures Gallery is currently closed. We expect to reopen on Thursday 15 August but please keep an eye on our feed for updates. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience.

Find out more about your local area in our Maps department. Our collection of Ordnance Survey maps can help you trace how your neighbourhood has changed. We are available via this enquiry form: bl.libanswers.com/form?queue_id=…

Due to a technical issue our Treasures Gallery is closed today. Becoming a reader will give you access to our reading rooms and our collection. #reader-registration" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">bl.uk/research/#read…

Due to a technical issue our Treasures Gallery closed early today and will be closed until Wednesday 14 August. We’re really sorry for any inconvenience.

Happy 'Book Lovers Day' ❤️📚