The Ricardo A Caminos Memorial Library
The Library* forms part of the premises at 2-4 Doughty Mews, London and contains approximately 22,000 books, journals and pamphlets on Egyptology. As such it is one of the best libraries of its kind in the world.
When the Society inherited no. 4 in the early 1990s after the death of its last resident, Professor Ricardo Caminos (seen at right copying inscriptions in the field), most of the holdings, which had previously been housed on the ground floor of no.2, were transferred to the new space, onto shelves which Professor Caminos had had built himself. Professor Caminos was professor of Egyptology at Brown University, Providence Rhode Island, USA and the Society’s epigrapher before he retired to the Mews in the early 1980s. The library is named after him and now occupies most of the space in his former home, having expanded into the ‘new’ small room on the ground floor at the beginning of 2002.
Contact information and Opening Hours
Please note that as of 1 November 2004, the opening hours have changed to allow members to stay throughout the lunch hour:
The library is now open Tuesday to Friday from 10.30 am until 4.30 pm.
The librarian can be contacted on +44 (0)20 7242 2266, Fax +44 (0)20 7404 6118 or by completing the contact form here.
General Information
The library is for use by EES members only, though anyone with an interest in ancient Egypt is eligible to join (see here for details), and prospective members are very welcome to come and have a look round, or to contact the librarian for further details (+44 (0)20 7242 2266 or contact us here).
Members may borrow up to three books from the library for a period of one month, which can be extended for a further month providing the books have not been requested by another member. Those wishing to renew their books may do so by phone or e-mail (details below), providing the books have not been requested by another member. Certain items are available for reference only including older/rare volumes, periodicals, pamphlets and multi-author works such as Festshrifts. Recent acquisitions are also for reference only so that all members have a chance to browse the new material before it can be borrowed. Photocopying facilities are available for those wishing to copy chapters/articles etc., and where possible the librarian is willing to send copies to members by post on request.
The process of computerising the library’s holdings is now complete and the catalogue can be accessed via a web browser here. Notes of guidance for new users of the catalogue can be found here. In addition guides to the library, the system of classification etc. and Egyptological literature in general, are available here.
UPDATE: 28 Sept 2006. Library - A wireless internet connection is now available to members using their laptops in the library. The connection is security enabled - please ask staff for the password if you wish to make use of this facility.
*There is now also a small library at the Society's office in Cairo.