Using our services
Find out how to search the collections, access our resources or visit one of our reading rooms.
Library and Archives
Search our collections
Curious about the natural world? Then you're in the right place.
The Library and Archives has been developing its unparalleled collection of natural history literature, artwork and information resources since the Museum opened in 1881.
Our collections
- Learn more about our collections and collection highlights
Search across our collections
- Discovery layer (all Library and Archive collections)
- Museum Archive catalogue
Electronic resources
- E-journals, scientific databases, e-books (off-site access for Museum staff only)
- Museum Open Access Repository
Our digitised collections
- Digitised special collections
- Citizen Science Project: Digitally Unlocking Nature’s Archive (DUNA)
- Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL)
- Wallace letters online (Firefox or Microsoft Edge browsers needed)
What's new
Collection highlights
The Library holds the world’s most comprehensive collection of material published by Charles Darwin, plus artwork and illustrations from the HMS Beagle voyage
Discover documents and photographs reflecting the Museum’s activities and the experiences of its staff during the World Wars
The Library and Archives hold natural history illustrations and artworks of some of the most accomplished women artists spanning the last four centuries
Opening times and contact
Reading rooms
South Kensington, London
Main Reading Room
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 to 16:00 (by appointment)
- Phone +44 (0)20 7942 5460
- Contact us
Tring, Hertfordshire
Ornithology Library and Rothschild Collection
- Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 (by appointment)
- Phone +44 (0)20 7942 6156
- Contact us
Service updates
Extension of public opening hours for visitors to our Main Reading Room (South Kensington)
For a trial period from 30 September 2024, the Main Reading Room will be open to appointments three days a week:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10.00 to 16.00.
About us
Find out how the Library and Archives has evolved to support a broad range of research.