QYPE*

Right, the review written by dmj1962 says a lot about the exhibitions, décor and history, than what you can actually do in the British Library, so let me try and fill you in. As a former graduate, I spent a lot of time doing research in the British Library’s reading rooms, which I reckon is civilised and spacious. It is the perfect environment to study in especially if you like silence for concentration. In these exquisite reading rooms, you have access to almost all books published in the UK and Ireland. If not, you have to order them and wait a few days since some books are stored in Bath and various parts of the UK. You also receive access to wireless internet, which you have to pay for, and exclusive online journals and articles, which you can print off. However, before you can access these rooms, you have to register as a member, which can take up to 20 minutes of waiting time. Also the reading rooms have a pen, jacket and bag-free policy, so you have to put your things into a locker.

Another thing I loved was the café area where I had Japanese-English language exchanges and it was also very orderly. They have pastries and sandwiches that can be made for you on the spot. There is also a restaurant upstairs, which is just as delightful. What I do suggest is coming around 12pm as the lockers and reading rooms get taken up very fast, but its definitely worth waking up early for as you're guaranteed to get a lot of work done.