Welcome to the RCM Library

The RCM Library is one of the foremost music libraries in the United Kingdom, with a wealth of material dating from the 15th century onwards. It aims to provide comprehensive support to performance, study, teaching and research in the College, through its loan, reference and listening services.

The Library is open to all current members of the College. Researchers and interested visitors may use it for reference only.

As a member of a number of collaborative projects, the RCM Library seeks to make a contribution to music documentation and information services nationally and internationally.

Current News

RCM Library receives award for excellence

The RCM Library has recently been awarded one of the first ever Excellence Awards for music libraries in the UK and Ireland by IAML (the International Association of Music Libraries). An independent panel of library experts and musicians, chaired by Professor John Tyrrell (authority on Janacek and editor of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians), commended the RCM Library for the depth and breadth of its collections; its acquisition of donated materials which has allowed it to develop a unique and rich holding of international importance; the progress made with cataloguing and associated fundraising; its extensive engagement with staff and students, and its overall service to external researchers and in outreach activities.

Summer 2010 - opening hours

From Monday 12 July until Friday 10 September, the library will be open as follows; Tuesdays - Fridays 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-4.30pm.