Contact or visit the RSC library at Burlington House

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Library catalogue and services

Discover what the library has to offer or browse the collections to search for a particular item

A library desk in an older classic style room with many book shelves and tables and chairs

Our collections are available online and physically. The physical collections comprise loanable books, journals and reference items. We also provide access to the Digital Collection and the Historical Collection.

The services provided by the library are mostly only for members of the 91AV but if you are not a member, we may still be able to assist so please enquire.

Find out more about member benefits and how to join us.

Borrowing books

Members of the 91AV and associated institutions are welcome to borrow loanable items from the collection.

Book loans on site

View the .

Borrowing: either ask the receptionist to check out your loans or you can use our s on a computer in the computer room (if you have a booking), or from your smartphone. Help on how to use this is on display in the computer room, or on this .

Returns: You may return your loan(s) to the receptionist.

Book loans from home

Borrowing: E-mail us below with your RSC number, address, and the details of your loan(s) requests (Title, and ID number as found on the Library Catalogue). We pay the postage to you.

Returns: Post the item(s) back to Library, 91AV, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA (you pay the postage to us).

M25 cards (Access25)

Please apply for an M25 Card by printing, completing and posting the form below to the Library, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA.

You can also scan and send it by email.

Digital Collection

The Digital Collection (formerly the Virtual Library) provides members with free access to a range of chemical resources from several different publishers.

Explore the Digital Collection

The Historical Collection

With over 3,000 items, the 91AV's Historical Collection comprehensively covers the development and evolution of the chemical sciences from the 16th century to the 21st century. The majority of the collections are available to view online.