Computers have been at the heart of developments at the ICE Library since the mid-1980s, improving members' access to one of the world's finest civil engineering collections and providing an exciting range of new services.
Home pages on the Internet are the latest chapter in the history of one of the longest established civil engineering libraries in the world.
1819-1835
The Library was founded in 1819 when the first periodicals were purchased and books presented. In 1820, the Institution's first president, Thomas Telford, presented part of his library. Over the next decade the Library grew slowly. Some textbooks were added, but the collection chiefly comprised drawings and manuscripts. It was considerably enhanced when Thomas Telford left all his papers to the Institution in 1834.
1836-1869
In 1836 ICE began publishing its transactions and exchanges of publications were established with scientific bodies all over the globe. Over the next thirty years the Library grew into one of the finest technical libraries in the world.
1870-1895
The financial resources and prestige of the Institution enabled the Library to acquire most of the scientific and technical works published across the world.
1895-1914
In the period before the First World War, the Library was provided with magnificent accommodation in the two new buildings erected by the ICE at 25 and 1-7 Great George Street. The Main Library remains essentially unchanged, with a Grade II listed interior, to this day.
1914-1919
During the First World War the Library provided an invaluable information resource for the British war effort.
1919-1939
Between the wars a loan service and an 
audio-visual collection were started.
1939-1945
In the Second World War the Library again provided an important information resource, particularly with regard to the preparations for the invasion of Europe.
1945-1962
Following the Second World War the character of the Library changed rapidly. The focus of the collections changed to civil engineering, rather than all branches of science and technology. Cooperation with other libraries increased and a document supply service was developed.
1962-1976
Although Institution requirements for increased office accommodation and severe budgetary restraints hampered the development of the Library, an archives room and the Panel for Historical Engineering Works were set up.
1977-1995
Library services became a key part of the Institution's Corporate Plan, involving investment in computers, collection development and much improved accommodation. The Library today boasts an up-to-date collection of books, periodicals and videos, a magnificent archive and a range of computer-based services.
1995-2010
Digitisation and e-journals become a reality for users of the library services as the Library becomes a central feature of the Institution’s focus on developing engineering knowledge.
For more information, please contact the Library
.