As part of our celebrations of National Libraries week we will be highlighting a specialist library in London everyday this week.

BFI Reuben Library

The BFI Reuben Library is a public reference library based at BFI Southbank (next to the bookshop) and open to anyone; whether they’re cinemagoers or researchers.  It would be of particular interest to Media and English students studying film-related courses at Goldsmiths.

Collections

It is the UK’s national film and television collection and the largest of its kind in the world. Its comprehensive collections span the entire history of cinema and have an international scope, but it primarily focuses on British film and television history. It holds books on genres and national cinemas and has a wide range of distinguished journals, such as Cahiers du Cinema and Sight and Sound. Some journals and BFI databases (BFI Screenonline, BFI InView) are also available to browse electronically from the public access computers provided. Many of their collections will not be available in other libraries.

Other materials in the library include theses, annual reports, festival files, pamphlets, audio tapes and press cuttings. Materials can be copied using their dedicated scanning equipment. There is also good disability access. The library counter is also fitted with an induction loop system and assistive technology is available for users whose vision is impaired. Please contact the library if you have specific needs prior to your visit.

Access

The library and its collections are available to all, free of charge. Some items are kept off-site and these would need to be requested in advance of your visit. Please register with a member of staff with the library upon your first visit to learn about the library’s collections and how it can help your research.

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10.30-19.00

Sunday and Monday closed

For more information, please visit the library’s website.

British Library Business and IP Centre

The British Library Business and IP Centre is based on the first floor of the library, on Euston Road, next to St Pancras station. It can help you start, run and grow your business. The centre opened in 2006 supporting entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses. So far over 300,000 entrepreneurs have used the centre.

Collections

It offers free access to the UK’s most comprehensive collection of business and intellectual property databases and publications, providing startup advice, information on funding, market research, company data, business news and information on patents, trademarks and copyright. Specific databases of use to students include Key Note and Mintel. The centre also offers advice sessions and workshops and events and provides downloadable guides on industry information, business essentials and inventing.

These collections are useful to Media students studying various undergraduate and postgraduate branding, promotional culture and advertising, marketing and PR courses, as well as students from IMS and ICCE.

Access

To use the reading room, you’ll need to apply for a reader pass. Please bring two forms of identity; one with your signature (e.g. passport, driving license), one with your address (e.g. utilities bill, bank statement). Go to the registration office on the upper ground floor, complete an online form and then get your pass.

Opening Hours

Monday 10.00-20.00

Tuesday-Thursday 09.30-20.00

Friday and Saturday 09.30-17.00

Sunday closed

For more information, please visit the library’s website.