We have a wide collection of e-resources and databases. Following a cyber-attack in October 2023 these are not available at the moment.
Until these are reinstated, here is a list of useful resources which can be accessed for free:
British Library interim catalogue
Printed books, some facsimiles of manuscripts and some manuscript maps material can be found here.
Library Hub Discover
Some collection items, including printed books, manuscripts and maps may be found on this database.
Home - Archives Hub (jisc.ac.uk)
Lists archives held across the UK including some held at the British Library particularly contemporary archives.
Home - British Library Images (bl.uk)
This is our picture library which holds a good selection of manuscripts images.
Some British Library manuscript records can be found on the Discovery catalogue.
Google Books
Access over 700,000 digitised books from the British Library. Use this filtered search to find books from our collection.
Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Books, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine
Contains a large selection of manuscripts printed catalogues including the Harley catalogues, and pre-1800 printed books.
British Library blogs
This collection of blogs by Western manuscript staff and guest writers covers all aspects of our medieval and early manuscript collections including illuminated manuscripts.
Contains information on the lives of people who may be mentioned in or collectors of manuscripts.
Contains blogs on modern and contemporary manuscripts including our theatrical manuscripts.