Library collections
Discover what the library has to offer or browse the library catalogue now where you can search for a particular item
Explore the Library catalogue Visit the Library at Burlington HouseOur collections are available both virtually and physically.
Physical collections comprise loanable books, journals and reference items. There is also the Digital Collection, which was formally the Virtual Library.
The Historical Collection is available both physically in Burlington House and online.
On this page:
Borrowing Books
Members of the Royal Society of Chemistry and associated institutions are welcome to borrow loanable items from the collection.
Book Loans (On Site)
View the full loan terms.
Borrowing: Either ask the receptionist to check out your loans or you can use our Self-Checkout system 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 PDF Self-Checkout Guide.
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, Royal Society of Chemistry, 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.
Contact the library at Burlington House
We're here to help. Get in touch with any enquires about our library.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7440 3373
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 Royal Society of Chemistry'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.
Explore the Historical Collection
Library Publications
The Presidents of the Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry (1841-2024)
Related pages
Our journals
We publish over 50 world-leading journals that span the core chemical sciences and related fields.
Our databases
Rapid and easy access to accurate chemical information.
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