British Library restores access to online collection following ransomware attack

The British Library began restoring access to its online catalog on 15 January 2024, following a ransomware attack last October.

The loss of the main British Library catalogue has been perhaps the single most visible impact. The online system, for now, will be the only way to see the rarest books, maps, journals and music scores held by the library. The system for taking those physical objects into reading rooms is not yet running again. The majority of the Library’s key special collections – the archives, manuscripts and other unique items, will be accessible in an on-site capacity.