British Library

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The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the largest libraries in the world. It is located in London and serves as a major research library, holding over 170 million items from many countries. The library's collection includes books, manuscripts, journals, newspapers, magazines, sound and music recordings, patents, databases, maps, stamps, prints, drawings, and much more.

History

The British Library was established in 1973, following the British Library Act 1972. It was previously part of the British Museum and became an independent entity to better manage its vast collections. The library's main building, located at St Pancras, London, was officially opened to the public in 1998.

Collections

The British Library's collections are vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of subjects and formats. Some of the notable collections include:

• The Cotton Library, which contains many important historical manuscripts.
• The King's Library, originally collected by King George III.
• The India Office Records, which document the history of British involvement in India.
• The Sound Archive, which holds over a million sound recordings.

Services

The British Library offers a variety of services to the public, including:

• Reading rooms for accessing the library's collections.
• Online catalogues and digital collections.
• Research services and support for academic and professional researchers.
• Exhibitions and public programs to showcase the library's collections.

Digital Initiatives

The British Library has embraced digital technology to make its collections more accessible. It has digitized many of its items and made them available online through its Digital Library platform. The library also participates in international digital projects and collaborates with other institutions to enhance access to information.

Governance

The British Library is governed by a Board, which is responsible for its overall management and strategic direction. The Chief Executive is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the library.

Visiting

The British Library is open to the public, and anyone can apply for a Reader Pass to access its collections. The library also offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events.

Related Pages

• British Museum
• National Library of Scotland
• National Library of Wales
• Library of Congress
• Public library

See Also

• List of libraries in the United Kingdom
• National libraries