The British Library has its origins in the British Library Actof 1972. When it opened its doors in July 1973, it had a large collection provided by the British Museum. The library has also benefited from successive donations, such as those of Sir Hans Sloane and Sir Robert Cotton, among others. The British Library was originally located in Bloomsbury, but in 1997 it was decided to move to Euston Road in order to increase its size. The architects Colin St. John Wilson and Mary Jane Long were responsible for designing the new building. It is currently one of the most outstanding libraries and research centers in the United Kingdom.
