The Institute maintains a research and reference library, unparalleled in the region, with holdings of books, journals, off-prints, theses, and grey literature covering African (and especially Eastern African) history, archaeology, ethnography and related subjects. The library is accessible from 8.15am-4:30pm on weekdays, and from 8.15am-1pm on Saturdays.

BIEA also maintains a large archive of unpublished records and images collected by a wide range of researchers over the last 50 years. The BIEA Aksum Archive has already been digitized and can be accessed via Aluka and Jstor. We are currently in the process of organizing and digitizing other parts of our archive and these will be made available online in due course.

NOTE
Following a recent database survey, several reading materials were reportedly lost or overdue from the library. The BIEA and IFRA have therefore decided to suspend loaning of reading materials to protect our library collections. We apologise for any inconveniences this may cause.

The library is open to BIEA and IFRA members and bona fide scholars, both resident in the region and visiting, and those associated with the universities, museums and cognate institutions in Eastern Africa.

Library users have access to Jstor through the BIEA computers.

Several desk spaces are available for use in the library. Desk space cannot be booked in advance so you are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The BIEA library catalog can be accessed on-line .