Fifty kilometers of shelves. That’s how much space the British Library of Political and Economic Science holds. Enough to stretch the length of the Channel Tunnel. Can you imagine?
This isn’t just any library. The British Library of Political and Economic Science is the heart of the London School of Economics and Political Science. It’s one of the world’s largest libraries dedicated to the economic and social sciences. Founded in 1896 it quickly became vital. It aimed to provide serious students with materials for research previously unavailable in the UK.
Every day thousands of students and staff visit. The British Library of Political and Economic Science also serves over 12000 external users yearly. Its collection is truly impressive. It houses over four and a half million items. This includes 31000 journal titles past and present. The library also subscribes to roughly 15000 e-journals.
It’s more than just books. The British Library of Political and Economic Science holds unique collections. For instance Charles Booth’s poverty maps. These gained UNESCO status in 2016. Other significant archives include materials on women’s history LGBT activism British politics and peace campaigning.
The British Library of Political and Economic Science isn’t stuck in the past. It has open access platforms online. These platforms include a digital library LSE Theses Online and LSE Research Online. The library also publishes open access research through LSE Press. It even has a free exhibition space showcasing its unique holdings. Three exhibitions are held each term.
This building itself is a marvel. The British Library of Political and Economic Science is in the Lionel Robbins Building. It underwent a massive 35 million pound redevelopment in 2000 led by Foster and Partners. The Princess Royal officially reopened it in 2001. The building won a Civic Trust Award in 2002. Further redevelopment in 2007 expanded the collection and added study spaces.
The Lionel Robbins Building is stunning. It covers 20000 square meters. It provides 1700 study places 450 networked PCs and 226 laptop spaces. A light-filled atrium and a spiral ramp lead to a glazed dome. The dome and windows are climate responsive. They automatically adjust for natural ventilation.
So next time you think of a library think bigger. Think of the British Library of Political and Economic Science. Think of its vast collection its commitment to open access and its impressive architecture. This isn’t just a place to borrow books. It’s a center of learning research and history.