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 collections from the Library and Archives
- 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
Public opening times and enquiries
South Kensington, London
Main reading room
- Open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00 to 16.00
- Visits are by appointment only
Enquiry service (phone)
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7942 5460
- Monday 10.00 - 13.00
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00 - 16.00
- Friday 10.00 - 13.00
Enquiry service (email)
- Contact us
- Monday - Friday 10.00 - 16.00
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 by email
Service updates
Early closure on 17 December
On this day, our reading room service will be open 10.00 - 11.30.
Collection audit week 11 - 15 May 2026
We will be closed to enquiries and appointments during this time.
Christmas and New Year closure
22 December 2025 - 2 January 2026.
During this time, we will be closed to external visitors, enquiries and requests.
About us
Find out how the Library and Archives has evolved to support a broad range of research.