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What's currently available

This guide provides up to date details of which services are currently available following a cyber-attack, and which aren't.

Support and advice

Discover what support is available to Readers to ensure you get the most out of the Library.

Talk to our team

Our Reference team has specialist knowledge of our collection. They are on hand to answer your research enquiries, advise on collection item availability and help you get started.

We offer 30-minute consultations either in person or digitally, where staff can direct you towards useful resources based on your research interests, as well as one-to-one support which can be booked in advance.

For more information, get in touch through our form or visit the Enquiry Desk in one of our Reading Rooms.

Explore free online guides

Understand copyright and how it applies to your research at the Library with our guide to copyright.

Discover how to access electronic legal deposit.

Explore our many collection areas.

Access business support

Get free advice and guidance on your business through our Business & IP Centre including workshops, resources and one-to-one support.

Join events for researchers

Our research events include introductory sessions on collection areas, training and development opportunities, research conferences and Doctoral Open Days.

Get writing advice from a Royal Literary Fund Fellow

Royal Literary Fund (RLF) Fellows are professional writers who offer individual one-hour online appointments where you can discuss aspects of your writing, such as structuring an argument, making an essay clearer and improving style.

For the 2025/26 academic year writers Jasbinder Bilan and Laura Barnett are RLF Fellows for the British Library and Readers can book free sessions with them.

You can see their availability and book your session through the RLF website.

What to expect from a session with an RLF Fellow:

  • Sessions last an hour and take place online. To ensure you get the most out of your time we suggest joining from a quiet, private space with a good Wi-Fi connection
  • Come prepared to talk through a small example of your writing which you’d like some advice on. Perhaps bring an example of what’s working well for you already and what’s not
  • Sessions can’t be recorded, so be ready to take notes on what’s discussed
  • Fellows aren’t able to proofread or edit your work, but will provide expert advice, tips and feedback to support you to take your writing to the next level.