Collections and resources

The BFI National Library collections date from the age of the pre-cinema magic lanterns to today's global entertainment industry. These are diverse in scope and format, and in many cases they are also unique. Researchers, students, job seekers and moving image enthusiasts of all ages utilise the library’s collections and resources daily.

We are a research library promoting and preserving the knowledge of moving image culture in the UK. Our collections focus mainly on British film and television but they are complemented by material in over fifteen languages which is international in scope.

• Use the tabs on the navigation links on the left to discover more about specific collections.
• View our Visiting the Library pages for information on how to access the collections.

New Acquisitions

• Subscribe to our weekly bulletin of acquisitions
• Download the latest quarterly acquisitions list

Some useful listings

• Current Periodicals List (PDF, 237k)
• Early film periodicals list (PDF, 383k)
• Early British film periodicals list (PDF, 363k)
• Early US film periodicals list (PDF, 339k)
• Early Film & Television Annuals (PDF, 25k)
• Special Collections A-Z