The shortlisted architects are:

*Foreign Office Architects

*Foster and Partners

*Hopkins Architects

*Mecanoo

*OMA

*Schmidt Hammer Lassen

*Wilkinson Eyre

Birmingham City Council leader, Councillor Mike Whitby, said: "Seven internationally renowned architectural practices have been short-listed from more than 100 worldwide.

Their reputations for designing high profile, iconic landmark buildings are what resulted in their selection. The announcement of the shortlist today is a major milestone on the road to delivering a world class library in Birmingham."

Following a rigorous process of interviews and presentations, it is thought an appointment will be made in the summer.