IMPORTANT NOTICE
From the end of May 2026, the Balfour Library’s operation as a lending and reference library open to all University members changed significantly.
The library is no longer open to external (non-Pitt Rivers Museum staff) readers on a drop-in basis during term time.
After 29 May 2026, the library is no longer accessible and new loans will not be possible. All existing loans will need to be returned by the end of September 2026.
From academic year 2026-2027 access to the Balfour Library by University members will be managed by the museum on a research appointment basis.
No items will be loanable but will be able to be consulted on site in a dedicated reading area.
All enquiries should be sent to library@prm.ox.ac.uk
Opening hours
THE LIBRARY IS NOW NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO EXTERNAL READERS ON A DROP-IN BASIS DURING TERM TIME
The Balfour Library is located on the first floor of the Pitt Rivers Museum.
Access by on-site appointment only.
Holdings and services
The library holds about 20,000 books, 12,000 pamphlets and 300 journal titles (of which about 150 are current), on the subjects of Archaeology and Anthropology, especially in relation to material culture, art, world music, film and photography. The Balfour Library was founded in 1939 following the donation of around 4000 books and 6000 pamphlets by Lewis Balfour, bequeathed to him by his late father Henry Balfour, the first Curator of the Pitt Rivers Museum.
Services: Access to OLIS (Oxford Libraries Information Services), to which it contributes bibliographic records. Please note we are unable to offer inter-library loans or copying.
Contacting the Library
Address: Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PP, UK
Email: library@prm.ox.ac.uk
Search the Catalogue
SOLO, Oxford University's online library catalogue, lists around 60% of the Balfour titles. The Balfour Library holdings have a BAL sublocation.
