The largest and most comprehensive resource in Europe for research and information on all aspects of architecture, the British Architectural Library was established in 1834 at the founding of the RIBA. Since that date it has been almost wholly funded by RIBA members.

The library collections number close to four million objects: books, periodicals, manuscripts, archives, drawings, photographs, models, paintings, medals and artifacts. Books, periodicals and photographs are located at the RIBA headquarters, 66 Portland Place, London.  Drawings and archives are located at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), under the V&A+RIBA Architecture Partnership. As part of opening up the collection to the widest possible audience RIBApix was launched in 2006. It is now possible to view up to 16,000 photographs, drawings and etchings online.

"This is a new year gift to the public in abolishing the admission charge", said Dr Irena Murray, Director of the Library. "Through increasing accessibility to the British Architectural Library we aim to enable more and more people to research and enjoy the collections within it, both online and in person."