Library
About our Library
We are proud to welcome you to the BPAS Library, home to one of the finest collections of psychoanalytic material in the world. The Library is one of the most complete collections of English-language psychoanalytic literature in the world, and our stock of over 16,000 items ranges from the 19th century to the present day.
The Library contains an extensive selection of titles, including donations from the private collections of many leading psychoanalysts, notably Ernest Jones, James Strachey, and Donald Winnicott.
In recent years acquisitions have largely been confined to psychoanalytic books and journals, and to material written by psychoanalysts. However, we include works relevant to the practice of any psychotherapist, e.g. ethical guidelines, and general reference material. We also reflect the reading lists of the courses run by the Institute.
Online Library catalogue
Browse our online catalogue of what is available in the Institute's Library.
Contact Library
Chair of Library Committee: Eric Karas
Head Librarian: Saven Morris
Tel: 020 7563 5008
Non-members, please arrange visits in advance.
Opening Times
| Monday | 1pm - 8pm |
| Tuesday | 1pm - 8pm |
| Wednesday | 10.30am - 5.30pm |
| Thursday | 1pm - 8pm |
| Friday | 10.30am - 5pm |
The Library is currently open to all Members and Candidates of the Society (including New Entry Scheme students) at any time the building is open.
External visitors to the Library, i.e. visitors with a Day/Week Pass, UCL students and other university students studying psychoanalysis as well as attendees of any course or event being held at the Institute has access during the Library opening hours.
Applicants must show proof of identity and any academic concessionary status. Undergraduates should also provide an introductory letter from their academic librarian or head of department.
Guide to borrowing
Members and Candidates for membership of the British Psychoanalytical Society:
- Are entitled to have a maximum of 6 volumes on loan at any time. Items will only be loaned provided no books are overdue.
- Can request extensions, however books can only be renewed up to 3 times before they must be returned to the library.
- May reserve any book on loan or on order. Ordinary lending books that have been reserved will be recalled one week after they have been loaned if there is a waiting list for them.
- If we do not have what you require, we may be able to get it from another library, usually within 10 days. The charge for interlibrary supply is £9 for articles.
- Must ensure they return books borrowed in a timely manner to ensure we can serve all members' interests effectively.
Non-member visitors to the Library:
- May use the Library for reading, copying and reference purposes.
- Are not entitled to borrow books or any other items.
Services and fees
Wi-fi is available: please ask the Library Staff for login details.
We can provide access to the PEP (Psychoanalytic Electronic Publishing) database.
| Non-member Visitor Fees: | Private Researcher | Academic Staff/Student |
| One day pass (reference only) | £10 | £5 |
| One week pass (reference only) | £20 | £10 |
| Services: | Self Service | Staff Service | |
| Member | Non Member | ||
| Photocopying / document supply | 5p per A4 page, 10p per A3 page | £9 per item + £2.50 postage | £13.50 per item + £2.50 postage |
| Electronically sourced documents | £6 | £9 | |
To request documents and books by post, please complete one of the request forms below:
