British Library
The British Library at St Pancras, London is the home of the India Office Records, which are held in the Asia, Pacific & Africa Collection (APAC).
Visiting the BL
- Getting started with the India Office Records. 2009 (FIBIS fact files; 2)
Planning your first visit to the British Library? This very practical booklet contains two articles which will reduce stress and possible frustration when beginning research using the India Office Records at the British Library in London. Lawrie Butler was the former FIBIS Research Officer and his helpfully illustrated article "Hints on research in the India Office Records at the British Library Asian and African Studies reading room" carefully sets out what can be accomplished before visiting the library, how to gain admission to the library, and what to do once you enter the reading room in order to obtain maximum results. Elaine MacGregor's article "First visits to the OIOC by a 'newbie'" is a useful case study recounting her experience of using the reading room. Both articles were previously published in the FIBIS "Journal".
Available from the FIBIS Shop. Also available from the FIBIS representative in Australia, Sylvia Murphy (refer FIBIS Committee)
- You will need a Reader Pass to use the British Library. Read How to Register for a Reader Pass
- Read about location, opening times, and many aspects covered in Reader FAQ’s in this link
- You may also find Peter Bailey's slideshow "Your First Visit to the IOR" helpful. (The slideshow takes about a minute to download with broadband). The slideshow is also available on YouTube.
- For further tips, read the following postings from the India List dated 1/2003 1/2003 4/2003 6/2004 7/2004 10/2004 4/2005 4/2005 9/2005 2/2007
Contact information
The British Library can be contacted via the means below. They cannot undertake research, but might provide a copy if you have the reference of an item you would like and cannot visit. When obtaining copies on CD, please check what format they will be in so that you can make sure you will be able to view them. Please note that FIBIS can also provide copies of documents for members unable to visit the Library.
Asia, Pacific and Africa Collections enquiries The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7873 Fax: +44 (0)20 7412 7641 E-mail: apac-enquiries@bl.uk
