Welcome to the British Caving Library

The British Caving Library is a national research and reference library based in the Peak District, staffed by a Senior Library Assistant. It is funded by the British Caving Association (BCA) and the British Cave Research Association (BCRA) and run by the BCRA on behalf of all cavers.

The BCL is your library, if you have an interest in caving, cave science and related areas. It is for you whether you are a member of BCA or just a member of the public with a general interest in caves and caving. It is for you whether you are based in the UK or abroad.

Services and materials include

Simple enquiries or requests for specific articles can be emailed direct to the librarian. However, if you have a complex, general or vague literature request, it would help us if you would download and complete the literature search form. This will allow us to respond to your request more effectively.

Library location

The library is based in Glutton Bridge, near Buxton in Derbyshire. Note that the library is not permanently staffed, and details of opening times, as well as the location, can be obtained by clicking on the menu button labelled "How to find us".

Charges

This facility is paid for by members of the BCA, and there is no charge for reasonable use by members of the association for the librarian's time, photocopying and postage, although the librarian may need to make a charge if an enquiry is unusually large.

Non-members may browse and use the facilities for free by prior arrangement with the librarian, and one hour of the librarian's time is available at no charge. Additional time will be charged at £15 per hour. Photocopying and printouts will be charged at 10p a sheet for black and white A4 sheets, and 50p for colour A4 sheets. The librarian can advise on costs before undertaking any work, so please contact her before submitting your request.