National Marine Biological Library | Marine Biological Association
Source: https://www.mba.ac.uk/nmbl
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:30
National Marine Biological Library | Marine Biological Association
Skip to content
Library
Our National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) is one of the largest marine reference libraries in the world. Our members can enjoy a peaceful environment and make full use of our collections and modern facilities.
SEARCH OUR CATALOGUE
Library Facilities include:
Print collection
More info
Print collection
The National Marine Biological Library has 16,000 books in our vast collection. We have a broad spectrum of content from marine natural history to exploration, climate change, analytical techniques and identification guides.
Rare Book Collection
More info
Rare Book Collection
Our unique collection of rare books includes first editions and signed copies dating back to 1714, with beautiful illustrations gracing their pages.
We have a number of personal library collections belonging to early prominent marine scientists at the MBA, as well as expedition reports from the HMS Challenger, Charles Darwin’s Beagle voyage and Prince Albert of Monaco investigations.
This collection is listed on our catalogue and is available for viewing with a member of library staff.
Journal Collection
More info
Journal collection
Our library has an archive collection of over 4,000 print journal titles, as well as onsite access for members to our e-journal collection.
We can support you with any areas of your research.
archive
More info
Archive
Containing thousands of individual items, the archive highlights the history of the MBA and includes material such as the scientific work and personal correspondences of a number of well-known marine researchers. Details of some of the collection are available online via The National Archives
Discovery
pages.
The archive also includes the MBA Herbarium – a collection of hundreds of samples of marine algae as well as lichens, some dating as far back as the 1850s.
object Collection
More info
Object Collection
Our object collection comprises over 100 science related artefacts. They have all been used, some even designed and built, at the Marine Biological Association. The collection provides a fascinating insight into the advancement of marine biology during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and items are on display in the library as well as the MBA Common Room.
Join us for a virtual tour of the National Marine Biological Library. By becoming a
Member
you can support the work of the MBA and have full access to the Library collection and facilities.
The library has:
WiFi throughout
Power sockets for remote working
Facilities for printing and photocopying
A dedicated computer to access the catalogue and e-journals
Ample desk space with sea views overlooking Plymouth Sound
Volunteering at the
Library
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the NMBL. We have received a high number of enquiries, so have paused our call for volunteers for the time being. We will open up the contact form as and when any new opportunities become available.
Latest News
Jan 26, 2026
Octopus bloom off Southwest UK: New report reveals scale, causes and consequences
Dec 22, 2025
MBA Archive on the move
Dec 19, 2025
Winter must-reads from the National Marine Biological Library
Nov 20, 2025
The Marine Biological Association’s long history of fisheries management research
Next
Can we help?
If you have an enquiry about any aspect of the Marine Biological Association, please drop us a line below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
View our webcam
Join Our Mailing List
The Marine Biological Association
The Laboratory,
Citadel Hill Plymouth,
Devon
PL1 2PB, UK
+44 (0) 1752 426493
info@mba.ac.uk
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Vacancies
Science
Meet the Team
The Marine Biologist
Newsroom
MBA Webcam
Join us
Donate
The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales (1155893), and is a company limited by Royal Charter (RC000865). The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea.
Follow us
Skip to content
Library
Our National Marine Biological Library (NMBL) is one of the largest marine reference libraries in the world. Our members can enjoy a peaceful environment and make full use of our collections and modern facilities.
SEARCH OUR CATALOGUE
Library Facilities include:
Print collection
More info
Print collection
The National Marine Biological Library has 16,000 books in our vast collection. We have a broad spectrum of content from marine natural history to exploration, climate change, analytical techniques and identification guides.
Rare Book Collection
More info
Rare Book Collection
Our unique collection of rare books includes first editions and signed copies dating back to 1714, with beautiful illustrations gracing their pages.
We have a number of personal library collections belonging to early prominent marine scientists at the MBA, as well as expedition reports from the HMS Challenger, Charles Darwin’s Beagle voyage and Prince Albert of Monaco investigations.
This collection is listed on our catalogue and is available for viewing with a member of library staff.
Journal Collection
More info
Journal collection
Our library has an archive collection of over 4,000 print journal titles, as well as onsite access for members to our e-journal collection.
We can support you with any areas of your research.
archive
More info
Archive
Containing thousands of individual items, the archive highlights the history of the MBA and includes material such as the scientific work and personal correspondences of a number of well-known marine researchers. Details of some of the collection are available online via The National Archives
Discovery
pages.
The archive also includes the MBA Herbarium – a collection of hundreds of samples of marine algae as well as lichens, some dating as far back as the 1850s.
object Collection
More info
Object Collection
Our object collection comprises over 100 science related artefacts. They have all been used, some even designed and built, at the Marine Biological Association. The collection provides a fascinating insight into the advancement of marine biology during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and items are on display in the library as well as the MBA Common Room.
Join us for a virtual tour of the National Marine Biological Library. By becoming a
Member
you can support the work of the MBA and have full access to the Library collection and facilities.
The library has:
WiFi throughout
Power sockets for remote working
Facilities for printing and photocopying
A dedicated computer to access the catalogue and e-journals
Ample desk space with sea views overlooking Plymouth Sound
Volunteering at the
Library
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the NMBL. We have received a high number of enquiries, so have paused our call for volunteers for the time being. We will open up the contact form as and when any new opportunities become available.
Latest News
Jan 26, 2026
Octopus bloom off Southwest UK: New report reveals scale, causes and consequences
Dec 22, 2025
MBA Archive on the move
Dec 19, 2025
Winter must-reads from the National Marine Biological Library
Nov 20, 2025
The Marine Biological Association’s long history of fisheries management research
Next
Can we help?
If you have an enquiry about any aspect of the Marine Biological Association, please drop us a line below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
View our webcam
Join Our Mailing List
The Marine Biological Association
The Laboratory,
Citadel Hill Plymouth,
Devon
PL1 2PB, UK
+44 (0) 1752 426493
info@mba.ac.uk
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Vacancies
Science
Meet the Team
The Marine Biologist
Newsroom
MBA Webcam
Join us
Donate
The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales (1155893), and is a company limited by Royal Charter (RC000865). The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea.
Follow us