About the library

The National Art Library (NAL) is located in beautiful and historic reading rooms overlooking the John Madejski Garden at the V&A. It holds the UK's most comprehensive collection of literature on the fine and decorative arts, including books, manuscripts, journals, exhibition catalogues, auction house sales catalogues, comics, e-resources and much more. The NAL is open to the public for reference use and books may not be borrowed.

Some material listed on our catalogue, including archives, children's books and Theatre & Performance research collections, is held at the Archive & Library Study Room at Blythe House, near Olympia, London. Access is by appointment only.

Victoria and Albert Museum libraries also contribute to the Archives Hub. To browse descriptions of their archive materials, visit their Archives Hub Theatre and Performance collectionsinformation page and Archive of Art and Design information page

British Library inter-library loan codes

Library code

LO/N15

Policy code

F2

For an explanation of these codes, and for more information on arranging inter-library loans, see the inter-library loans page on the British Library website.

Accessing materials

Can I see live document availability on Library Hub Discover? No.

Can I obtain items via inter-library loan? Yes - subject to the library's local lending policy. You must request an inter-library loan via a library of which you are a member. Talk to your own library staff for advice on ordering an item.

Can I visit the library to view materials? Yes - see the library's website for access details. If you wish to visit it is advisable to contact the library in advance, to ensure that they can accommodate you and that the material you need will be available.

Location

Browse all of Victoria and Albert Museum libraries records in Library Hub Discover here.