British Library of Political and Economic Science
The British Library of Political and Economic Science (BLPES) is the central university library of the London School of Economics and Political Science . It is considered one of the world's largest specialist libraries for social and economic sciences .
The library opened in 1896 and is now located on Portugal Street in London . The current building from 1916 was the former headquarters of the book and magazine chain WHSmith and was taken over in 1976. In 2001 it was expanded by the architects Foster + Partners , reopened with the participation of HRH Anne, Princess Royal and received the Civic Trust Award in the same year.
Due to its national and international importance with over 4 million books and 33,600 specialist journals, it was honored with the "Designated status" by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). The library also functions as the UN depot library (since 1946) and the European Documentation Center (since 1964).
The daily visitor traffic amounts to 6,500 people. The current director is Elizabeth Chapman .
literature
- AH John: The British Library of Political and Economic Science. A brief history . London School of Economics and Political Science, London 1971.
Web links
Coordinates: 51 ° 30 ′ 52.9 " N , 0 ° 6 ′ 56.3" W.