Access to the British Library
Restrictions
Staff and students wishing to use the British Library should be aware that:
- the British Library is the national library of last resort and does not support research in the early stages of a course
- material in the humanities and special collections is closed access and items will take a minimum of one hour to be retrieved
- items may be held off-site and will need to be ordered 48 hours in advance of a visit
- last orders for delivery of on-site closed access material must be placed before 16:00 in order to receive the item that day
- the British Library does not hold multiple copies of core texts
- the collections are for reference only
- the British Library website should be checked for opening hours and any temporary restrictions
Applying for a reader's pass
Staff and students wishing to access the British Library's Reading Rooms need to apply for a British Library Reader's Pass. The British Library have created a video that will guide you through the process of registering with the Library.
We advise University members to take their University of Reading Campus/Library Card with them as well as proofs of signature and address when making an application.
Further information
- Consult staff at the Ground Floor Information Desk in the Library or email library@reading.ac.uk
- British Library website
- You can also email reader-admissions direct on reader-admissions@bl.uk