Libraries in London
Boston University British Programmes Library
Library services will be limited during the Summer 2008 term because of building works at 43 Harrington Gardens. Further details will be provided during the academic orientation session.
The Boston University British Programmes Library is a useful starting point for your research needs while in London. It stocks books and other materials relevant to your courses. It also has a good selection of reference materials including books, periodicals (some with online accessibility), and reserve articles. There are also novels and DVDs (region 2) available for loan.
The BU London Library is located in the basement of 43 Harrington Gardens. The library catalogue is accessible online. Books may be borrowed for two weeks with the exception of Reference books (indicated by a label) which may not leave the library. Fines are charged at 20p per day per book. You can renew books at any time, including outside of library hours, by sending an email or via the online catalogue. (Use the came codes you use in the Computer Labs.) A photocopier is available in the library for student use.
Research and Study Skills
In the UK, students are expected to be proactive when choosing what to read from their reading lists. Librarians do not provide lists of suggested books and they do not select books for you. The BU London library may not stock all of the books on your reading list and it might be necessary to visit one of the many excellent libraries to be found in London. Most academic libraries in London are reference only for all users; this means you will not be able to borrow books from them.
Librarians everywhere are happy to help if asked (but be aware that they will not always ask you if you need help no matter how lost you look!). Librarians and staff in art galleries, museums, or specialist archives may see their main role as preserving and maintaining their collections rather than as customer service representatives. However, if you take the time to find out what rules particular institutions have, behave courteously, and present yourself as a serious scholar, you will be able to benefit from their internationally renowned collections.
The BU Librarian will be happy to help at any time with locating sources and compiling bibliographies. You can visit the library in person or send an email to Karen Baston.
London Libraries
As a temporary resident of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea you are entitled to join the local public library service. These libraries are some of the best in London. As a member you will be able to borrow books and other materials. You will also have remote access to on-line resources such as newspaper archives. Because of residency requirements you must join the library within the first six weeks of your stay in London. You will need to visit Kensington Central Library in person with your student i.d.
Kensington Central Library
It is located near High Street Kensington Tube station. From there turn left then cross at the first set of traffic lights. Go down a block then turn left into Phillimore Walk. Staff at the Membership Desk will help you join the library. Once you join the Central Library you can use other libraries in the borough including the excellent Chelsea Library in the King's Road.
Kensington Central Library
Phillimore Walk
London W8 7RX
Tel: 020 7937 2542
Tube: High Street Kensington
Chelsea Library
Chelsea Library
Chelsea Old Town Hall
King's Road
London SW3 5EZ
Tel: 020 7352 6056
Tube: Sloane Square
Other London Libraries
Most major libraries in London have online catalogues which include details about their requirements for users, their hours and their holdings. You can pick up a copy of a leaflet called Libraries in London from the BU Library. This has been compiled by the library staff to help you get the most from London's libraries. It is also available as an attachment at the end of this page. Contact the University Librarian if you need a formal application form or letter of recommendation to use other libraries.