• Annual reports and official publications
• Annual reports
• Foreign Affairs Committee responses
• Public consultations
• FCO prompt payment performance
• FCO Library Collections
• Frequently asked questions
• Foreign Office climate change plan
• Geographical Names and Information
• The UK and China: A framework for engagement
• The Energy Bill
• Draft Antarctic Bill
• UK Government strategy on the protection of civilians in armed conflict
• Treaty command papers and explanatory memoranda
• Treaties
• Transparency and data
• Colonial administration files
• Freedom of information

FCO Library Collections

The final dispersal of the FCO Library Collection to London academic institutions and The National Archive (TNA) occurred in 2008-9, following the decision to formerly close the library from March 2008.

Earlier stock transfers included the former India Office Library Collections, which moved to the British Library (Asia, Pacific, and Africa Collections), and the relocation of  the 50,000 historical items of the Colonial Office, Foreign Office and Commonwealth Relations Office libraries to Kings College London (KCL) in 2007.  Later, in 2008, during the final dispersal phase, more general volumes from the FCO collection were passed to the KCL main collection where they are currently being sorted, catalogued and systematically released. Other special items and general stock went to other UK government departments, TNA, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and the British Library during this period.

Given the size of the Library stock - 13km of material - the range of items, and the limitations of time and resource it was not possible to detail each library item. The attached What Went Where table (pdf) summarises the notable stock transferred in this final phase and includes appendices detailing which organisations received the library stock and now manage the materials.

Library stock dispersal FAQs

What happened to…

The unique library items?

The collections rarer and unique items and their new locations are listed in the table. Typical examples might include early nineteenth century monographs on travel, British and foreign diplomats staff lists, customs lists, Library catalogues, serials collections, maps and artefacts such as drawings and plans.

The FCO’s Photo collection?

The photographic collection consists of more than 40,000 images, mainly relating to the work of the Colonial Office and covers the late nineteenth and early-middle twentieth century.  Thematically, there is a strong emphasis on Africa and part of SE Asia, but also includes photographic portraits of some Heads of Missions and senior staff.  The bulk of these images are held by TNA.

The FCO’s Maps and Geographical information?

Many maps, atlases and gazetteers transferred to the Library at the MOD’s Defence Geographic Centre, where they are being added to the catalogue.  Other items, including special collections and maps created by in-house cartographers in the mid-twentieth century, are in the process of transferring to TNA.

The Colonial Office material?

Detailed annual CO Reports covering the nineteenth and twentieth centauries and organised A-Z (Aden through to Zululand) were transferred to TNA. Additionally, a range of rarer items including protectorate notes and publications with advice/comments for CO staff are now managed by KCL and TNA.

How can I access recently transferred FCO Library items?

Queries about access arrangements to specific items of former FCO Library stock detailed in the table should be made to the libraries and organisations listed below.  Access conditions will vary and some items may still be in the cataloguing process.

More FAQs...

Frequently asked questions

Looking for FCO documents? Trying to trace a family member who worked at the FCO?

See also

Useful links

• British Library
• Kings College London
• The National Archives

Related documents

• FCO Library stock disposal [PDF, 885.9 Kb]