About the Library

The Royal College of Surgeons' Library in Lincoln's Inn Fields closed to visitors in May 2017 as part of a major refurbishment project due to be complete in 2021.

During the redevelopment period, we will be working with partner institutions to provide managed access to our collections for study and research.

Find more information on changes to Library Services.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England possesses an outstanding library of surgical literature that dates from the late 15th century to the present day. Find out more about our library history.

The Library provides access to a wide variety of up-to-date surgical literature and textbooks, with a large selection available online to our Affiliates, Members and Fellows. Find out more about our services.

The historical material is of national importance in documenting the achievement of British surgery from the 18th century onwards through its printed collections, prints, drawings and archives and in providing a provenance to the collections housed in the Hunterian Museum. In 2013, the collection was awarded Designated status by Arts Council England.

The Library is also working to improve the catalogue information regarding the older materials.

For any other queries please email us at library@rcseng.ac.uk.