BTO Library and Archive

The Library

The Chris Mead Library was opened in August 2006 by V Mead in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, the BTO's Patron. It is situated in the Max Nicholson Building, along with key archives of ornithological data and historic papers. Funding for the development of the new facilities and for work to sort and secure archival material was provided by members and other supporters. Significant contributions were received from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, the latter support being made via the Norfolk Museums Heritage Partnership.

It is hoped that these new facilities and resources will be well used by members and researchers. Details of materials available and access arrangements are provided below.

A library existed at the Edward Grey Institute (within Oxford University Department of Zoology) by 1936. It was run, on his retirement as first Director, by W.B. Alexander and was based largely on his own extensive collection. Initially, it comprised of a reference library for BTO members and a lending library from which they could request loans by post. This was to become what is now the Alexander Library. It is still housed at the EGI in Oxford and it has grown to be one of the world’s best ornithological libraries.

The BTO library itself was incorporated within this and did not exist separately until the Trust moved to Beech Grove in Tring in 1963.

Much of the original book stock was duplicate EGI material as well as books received for review in the Trust’s publications and bequests from generous members and staff, with many periodicals received as exchanges for BTO journals. Most books and periodicals are still acquired on that basis.

When the BTO moved to Thetford in 1991, the library was relocated too. Now situated in the new Resource Centre at The Nunnery, it provides much improved storage, access and study space, all of which has helped to maintain this as one of the best ornithological libraries in the country.

In addition, the catalogue has been automated, making the holdings more accessible.

Books are classified using a customised scheme based loosely on the Dewey Decimal Classification.
AUTOLIB library management software is used.

Simplified catalogues, updated periodically, are available as a download .pdf file for the following:

Books (615KB)
Periodical titles (101KB)
County & Local Bird Report titles (40KB)
Local & National Ringing Report titles (28KB)

These .pdf files may be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader
Download a copy from here

The library also holds many examples of ‘grey’ literature produced by associated and relevant organisations and government bodies, as well as the reference, and in many cases lending, copies of BTO’s own publications, including Bird Study, Ringing & Migration, BTO News, Bird Table, books and atlases, field and identification guides, research reports, newsletters, survey reports, staff reprints and annual reports.

Use of BTO Library

The Library may be used in person during normal office hours (0900-1700 weekdays) by BTO members, and by non-members for research purposes. Please ring first if possible to ensure someone will be available to help you if needed. If it is inconvenient for you to visit personally, BTO members may borrow books by post, and photocopies of papers can be supplied at a nominal charge (non-members may also request photocopies).

Rules of Borrowing: Download this Word document for details Click here (38KB)

Please address all correspondence, and return all borrowed items, to:

The Librarian
British Trust for Ornithology
The Nunnery
Thetford
Norfolk IP24 2PU

Tel. 01842 750050; Fax. 01842 750030
e-mail :

BTO Archive

The archive consists largely of :

• Original data generated by BTO surveys, along with supporting correspondence and other documentation
• The personal papers and correspondence of some of the founders, prominent staff and members
• BTO unpublished documents such as committee minutes, conference materials, publicity leaflets etc.

A summary catalogue of survey material can be downloaded (.pdf) for the following:

One-off BTO Surveys and publications (77KB)
BTO Surveys continuing (18KB)

Personal visits to use the archive are by advance arrangement.

For general enquiries please email:

Data Requests

Find out more about making a request for data.

Please email for enquiries regarding use of BTO data.