The Armenian Institute Library

The story of the collection

With its growing collection of over 10,000 books, journals, newspapers and other media, the Armenian Institute library and archives cover a wide variety of subjects and fields.  We are constantly adding to our holdings, bringing the collection up to date as well as filling in where needed. Currently, the largest categories pertain to history and literature and we are working on increasing our sections on contemporary issues and movements, the arts, development, human rights, gender studies, food studies, and migration. Books are mainly in English and Armenian (East and West variants) but also include many in French, Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, Russian, Persian, German and other European languages.

Over the years, AI Library and Archives have welcomed many scholars and researchers in fields as varied as font design, history and theatre. Designers looking for information about appropriate costumes for plays, political scientists seeking more detail about a relatively unknown part of the Middle East, students of linguistics broadening their knowledge about another Indo-European language, artists and those interested in modern and contemporary Armenian art have all spent time working with us. We also learn from these visitors and the atmosphere is one of collegial support, learning and sharing of knowledge.

The Archives hold papers, photographs and memorabilia from prominent figures.  These include:


Services Offered:

The Armenian Institute librarian and other staff are available for assistance in using the catalogue and finding resources. Consultations and advice are also available:

  • Initial consultations of 30 minutes are free of charge

  • Further, follow-up consultations will be charged at £15 per half hour

  • Exceptions to this are made for people who are collaborating with AI on a joint project

The library is equipped to assist in scanning and photocopying material.

  • Self-service photography is allowed with exceptions made where the material is considered too fragile and special handling is required. Before photographing material, the researcher must ask for the material to be assessed in terms of whether special care needs to be provided by staff.

o   To protect the material, tripods, stands and hand-held scanners are not allowed and flash cannot be used during photography

o   Please switch all devices to silent while in use in order not to disturb others

  • Bound material must be photographed using the book cradle and a string of beads (both provided) to hold pages in place. Material must not be forced open or flattened by hands or any other means other than the weights/beads provided.

  • Unbound material is placed flat on the surface on melinex sheets provided.

  • The use of images for publication, website, exhibition, broadcast or commercial use requires written permission

  • · Photocopying (self-service)

o   A4 page B&W 20p

o   A4 page colour 80p

  • Scanning (self-service):

o   A4 page 20p

 Please note: To provide a minimum protection from copyright infringement, it is important that all researchers who copy material sign a declaration form accepting that they will use the copies for private research under the ‘fair dealing’ exemptions. General advice on copyright is published here.

For high-resolution images (TIFF or JPEG), suitable for publication, please contact the librarian. These are available at £25 each 

 PDF Standard Resolution Images  are available at £10 each for first image of order and £5 for subsequent images.

Images will be sent by WeTransfer link or by email, depending on the size of the transfer.

 Rights and Copyright clearance:

  • Permission to reproduce images from our collection can be requested here: Permission to reproduce form

  • Rights to reproduce images will be provided after payment is made for the image

  • Rights to reproduce an image may be restricted according to copyright or other licence

Visit Us

The Armenian Institute library is free and open to the public during the following hours:

  • With an appointment: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm. Visits are limited to 3 hours.

  • Please fill out the form below a minimum of 2 days ahead of the desired appointment:

If necessary, other times may be arranged. Please contact info@armenianinstitute.org.uk

Check our website for any changes to this schedule over holidays or special events.