Our Library collection consists of over 150,000 items covering twentieth and twenty-first century conflict involving British and Commonwealth countries. Along with material on military units and campaign histories, we have biographies, manuals, items relating to the economic, social, and cultural aspects of war, journals, newspapers, ephemera, propaganda, and e-resources.

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Search our collection of published material relating to twentieth and twenty-first-century conflict.

A fanned open book displaying two pages of a book outlining the do's and don'ts of concealment
LBY [O] 90 / 2334
An image from the book 'Hide and Seek : a story of concealment' drawn and printed by 516 (Corps FD.SVY) Coy during the Second World War.

Books and Pamphlets

IWM's books and pamphlets are a unique resource on twentieth and twenty-first century conflict. This comprises unit histories, technical manuals, biographies and autobiographies, war poetry, as well as an extensive collection of publications concerning the military, economic, social, political and cultural aspects of war.

Ephemera

Our ephemeral literature collection is a treasure trove of material from across IWM’s remit and includes aerial propaganda leaflets, knitting patterns, greetings cards, menus, political pamphlets, ration books, theatre programmes, and song sheets as well as official pamphlets issued by the War Office and the Ministry of Information. 

Pamphlets and Periodicals

Covering a range of formats and topics from international journals on defence strategy and foreign affairs to service newspapers, regimental journals, and old comrade association newsletters. Many of our First World War trench newspapers and prisoner of war camp journals are extremely rare, while other wartime periodicals printed in the field, or even on-board ship, are unlikely to be easily found elsewhere. Our trench newspaper collection is accessible via the Trench Journal and Unit Magazines Database eResource in the Research Room. 

First World War Women’s Work Collection

An archive of records, statistics, personal accounts, and printed ephemera on the role of women in the services and on the home front, assembled at the end of the First World War by the Museum’s Women's Work Subcommittee. The Women's Work Collection is available via the eResources in the Research Room.

View the Library collection in the Research Room

IWM's Library collection can be consulted, by appointment, in our Research Room at IWM London during our Tuesday to Friday appointments. Find out more about the Research Room and how to book an appointment.

 

  • IWM Research Room

    The Research Room is a designated study space where you can access IWM's library and archive collections in-person. 

    Our Research Room is located on the second floor of IWM London and is free to use for anyone wanting to conduct research using our collections.

    Learn more about the Research Room facilities and which collections you can view. 

  • Plan your Research Room visit

    We have prepared a detailed guide to help you ahead of your Research Room visit. 

    This page explains:

    • the booking process
    • how to order material
    • what you can expect on the day
    • our guidelines for handling material

  • Book an appointment

    Between Tuesday - Friday we provide access to original documents, sound recordings, photographs, IWM's administrative archive records and our library material.

    Appointments are essential and must be made at least seven days in advance of your planned visit so that material can be made available.