Who can use the Library?
Everyone is welcome to visit the Library, to visit our
exhibition
galleries or to tour the building.
However, to see our collections in our Reading Rooms, you will need to register for a
Reader Pass.
What do I need to know before I register for a pass?
The British Library is very different from public and university libraries:
- Only general reference works and current science and business collections are available on open shelves in the reading rooms.
- Most items in the Library’s collection are kept in storage. Delivery of items from storage areas to reading rooms normally takes between 70 minutes (onsite) and 48+ hours (offsite) depending on where they are held.
Items stored onsite must be requested before 16.00 for delivery the same day.
- Before you register for a reader pass it is helpful to search the Library’s Catalogues to confirm that we have the material you require; remember to bring with you the details of the items you wish to see.
- The Library does not hold multiple copies of standard texts and is not generally suitable for university course work.
- We do not normally give access to people under the age of 18 unless there is a clear need to see specific items unavailable in other libraries. Special arrangements apply.
- You cannot borrow items from any of our reading rooms.
How to register for a Reader Pass
Come
to Reader Registration on the Upper Ground Floor at St Pancras,
to complete a PC-based application form.
If you only wish to use our Newspaper Collection you can either use a photographic reader pass, issued at St Pancras, or you can go direct to Colindale and register for a Newspaper Reader Pass.
It is
helpful to bring with you anything which supports your application,
e.g. a business card, professional membership card, or details
of the items you wish to see.
You must also bring identification bearing your signature and proof of your home address.
The Reader Registration office is open
Monday to Saturday except for seasonal
closures. Note that our Reading Rooms opening hours
are different to those of our Reader Registration office.
Your Pass will be valid for a period of between one month and
three years, depending on your needs. For personal researchers we do not normally issue a pass for more than one month unless there is a clear need. Reader passes are issued subject to the
Library's Conditions
of Use. You should be aware that if you do not comply with the Conditions of
Use your Reader Pass be may suspended.
-
Identification and proof of address requirements
To register as Reader, or to renew or replace your Reader Pass, you must show two forms of identification; one showing your signature and one showing proof of your home address. We must see original documents and cannot accept photocopies, faxes, internet or branch printouts).
Please note that utility bills, bank/building society statements, credit card statements, HM revenue and customs statements, state pension books, benefit/family credit books or payslips cannot be older than three months.
We cannot issue a Reader Pass without both forms of identification. - no exceptions can be made. Our ID requirements are subject to change, if in doubt what to bring please contact reader-registration@bl.uk. Forms of identification are as follows:
Proof of your home address.
You will need to show one of the following which must bear your name and address |
+ |
Proof of your identity
(including signature). You will need to show one of the following, which must bear your signature: |
Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity, Telephone, Water)
Bank/Building Society Statement
(no online/bank branch print-offs)
Credit Card Statement
Council Tax Bill/Council Rent Book
HM Revenue and Customs Statement
State Pension Book
Benefit/Family Credit Book
Passports (where the address has been officially entered by the issuing authority)
National Identity Card with address*
Driving Licence with address*
Home Office permit to stay
University Certificate for Hall of Residence (stamped and signed by institution)
TV Licence
Firearms Licence
Home Insurance Policy
Pay Slips (where employer’s and employee’s addresses are stated) |
|
Passport
Driving Licence*
Bank Card
Credit Card
National ID Card*
Police/Customs/Home Office/Warrant Card
Sea/Air Masters Licence
|
* These documents can only be used as either proof of address or proof of identity. They cannot be used for both.
Please note that some driving licences and national identity cards do not show address and we are therefore not able to accept these documents. Please note that it is your responsibility to provide official translations for foreign documents where necessary.
Advance requests for material
If you wish to request items in advance of your first visit to the Library we need to set up a provisional reader record for you.
Please note that the advance requests system is intended for those who have limited time and who need to see specific material not stored in the building.
You do not have to obtain a provisional reader number or request items in advance, in order to use the Library; you can simply turn up and register on your first visit. This normally takes about 10-15 minutes and you can use the Reading Rooms immediately afterwards.
Please email Reader-Registration@bl.uk. You should include the following information:
- A brief description of your research and what it is for (e.g. academic, work-related or personal interest)
- Details of the specific items required; please include shelfmarks from our Catalogues
- Your full name (Family name/First names)
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yy)
- Date of visit
Confirmation of your reader number and how to request material will be sent to you.
If you do not have access to email please write, including your full postal address in addition to the above information, to:
Reader Registration
British Library
96 Euston Rd
London
NW1 2DB
You should allow at least 10 working days to receive a reply.
NB: If you need to use the Library urgently please apply in person.
Access by appointment
Access to the Sound Archive, Print Room (Asia Pacific and Africa Collections) and Philatelic collections is by
appointment only. Applicants should contact the appropriate
department before applying for a Reader Pass:
Sound Archive: Listening and Viewing Service
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7418
Print Room (Asia Pacific and Africa Collections)
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7877/7876
Email: apac-prints@bl.uk
Philatelic Collections
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7635
Certain manuscripts, including most illuminated manuscripts,
are not normally made available without a written recommendation
received and acknowledged by a Manuscripts curator, contact:
Manuscript Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7513
Renewing your Pass
To renew your Pass, please come to Reader Registration on
the Upper Ground Floor at St Pancras. You will be asked to complete a PC-based application form and may need to provide evidence that you need ongoing access.
You must also provide proof of identification.
Replacing your Pass
Please come to Reader Registration on the Upper Ground Floor
at St Pancras. You must provide proof of identification.
There is a £10.00 charge to replace a lost
or damaged Pass. Refunds cannot be given if the original Pass is
subsequently found. A stolen Reader Pass will be replaced free of charge
on production of evidence that it has been stolen, e.g. a police
crime report or insurance document.
The repeated loss of a Pass may result in the right of registration
being withdrawn.
Temporary Passes
If you have registered and been issued with a Reader Pass but arrive at the Library without your Pass, a temporary Pass may be issued.
Please come to Reader Registration on the
Upper Ground Floor at St Pancras. You must provide proof of identification. A charge of £5.00
will be made.
British Library Registration Policy
Libraries have traditionally been about collecting and organising information,
giving access to knowledge and preserving the record of ideas for future generations.
But the way that information is created, disseminated, accessed and used has transformed
radically in recent years and the internet and widespread usage of search engines such
as Google has had a particularly strong impact. The Library of today needs to reflect
the changing needs of society, while continuing to protect and preserve material for the
future.
Our mission is that we exist for anyone who wants to do research - for personal,
work-related or academic purposes. We support innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers
across all fields of study, in academic, commerce or private research and whether or not
they are affiliated to a research institution. If you are doing research, and the British
Library's collections could help you, you are welcome to come and use the Library.
Further information
The British Library
Reader Registration
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7676
Fax: +44 (0)20 7412 7794
Email: Reader-Registration@bl.uk
