Library

The BNHS library is one of the oldest and largest libraries in India dedicated to natural history. It is a source of information on various subjects such as wildlife, ecology, zoology, botany and environment conservation. It has a priceless collection of antique books and rare lithographs from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many not available elsewhere. The library houses valuable photo-negatives and transparencies, particularly those of E.P. Gee, Loke Wan Tho, R.S.P. Bates, M. Krishna and Dr. Sálim Ali, and those generated through various scientific projects of the BNHS.

Library Collection

  • A unique assemblage of books, periodicals, journals, scientific reports and theses from all over the world related to wildlife and environment.
  • More than 24,000 books
  • Nearly 5000 bound volumes of scientific journals,1700 reports and 160 theses.
  • A collection of 2000 rare books dating back to the early 19th century, ranging from the popular to the technical.
  • Photographs, lithographs and transparencies

Library Hours : Monday to Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Library Services

Apart from catering to the Society’s members, the BNHS library acts as an important information centre to institutions and individuals throughout the country and abroad. Many researchers avail its facilities for in-depth studies:

1. Circulation Service (Library Rules):

    • For a deposit of Rs. 750/-, two books are issued to all eligible members
    • Theses, dissertations, reports, journals, CDs and video cassettes are for reference only
    • Readers should check if a book is intact before borrowing it.
    • No book will be accepted in a damaged condition. The borrower will be asked to replace it.
    • Books will be issued for 30 days and can be renewed once. After the period, late fee of one rupee/day will be levied on the borrowed book
    • To know about replacing a lost book, kindly contact the library.
    • A book is re-issued only if there are no claims.
    • Any misuse of the library or unacceptable behaviour, the borrowing facility will be withdrawn or restricted.
    • Non-members have to pay visitor’s fees of Rs. 50/day/head
    • Members should bring along their membership cards.

2. Photocopy Service:

    • The Library offers photocopying service to all its members and visitors
    • Only single copy of journal articles and 20 pages of the book or one chapter whichever is maximum are provided for private study and research purpose. No cover to cover photocopy is provided.
    • Photocopy charges would be Rs. 2/print

3. Reference Service:

    • Readers may approach the library or write to library”bnhs.org for information or any assistance in using the Library resources.

4. Document Delivery Service

    • The Library also provides photocopies to institutes/individuals by post on payment

5. Awareness Programme

    • The librarian helps new members to familiarize with the library resources and services through a tour of the library. Users can seek assistance in utilizing a particular resource.

6. Books issue by Registered post/courier

BNHS Library is announcing the issue of books by registered post/ courier within India.

Library Deposit: ₹3000/- (Refundable)

One way Delivery Charges: ₹ 4000/- year (Max. 20 books will be issued, two books at a time)

    • Members/Users can request two books at a time, from the books collection. BNHS library catalogue is available at http://libopacbnhs.informaticsglobal.com/
    • Books will be issued for a period of one month. Once it can be renewed if there is no demand, books will be renewed for one more month.
    • Reference books, out of print books, theses, reports, journals and non-book materials will not be issued.
    • Members are requested to return the books via any local courier service/ Speed post /registered post (Please note that the members will be required to bear the return charges for courier.)
    • Loss of book by the borrower should be reported to the Librarian immediately; the borrower shall either replace the same copy of the book or its latest edition within 15 days or pay the double of current cost of the book’s latest edition.
    • The library reserves the right to refuse the issue of any item from its collection.
    • To avail this facility, members are informed to apply for the same by email: library@bnhs.org .Do include your BNHS membership details;
    • After verification of the membership, payment details will be sent by the BNHS library. Once the payment is received, this facility can be availed.
    • For borrowing facility, send bibliographic details of the book you are requesting.
    • You will receive a follow-up telephone call/email from the Library to inform you the status of your request and to find out whether we should proceed with delivery arrangements. You will also be given the tracking number of your parcel.
    • Members have to return the books on time.
    • Members are bound by the library rules and conditions as stated on the website

Contact us for any assistance you may need in the library, on ibrary@bnhs.org

Library Policy

Policy for Offering Gifts or Donations of Books to the BNHS Library

This policy covers the donation of books and other relevant literature to the Library.
BNHS sincerely appreciates the generosity of donors. Donors have played an important role in development of the Library by offering books/literature, may be old or latest, but of significance according to the Vision and Mission of the organization.

In order to streamline the gifts/donation process the following may kindly be noted -

  • The offer may be sent to library@bnhs.org and director@bnhs.org along with the list of books/literature.
  • The Librarian will review the list to determine the Library needs. BNHS accepts literature only on wildlife, forest, climate change etc. The books other than this could be given to other organisations for their benefits.
  • The BNHS will provide receipt for the donations.
  • Books accepted by us will be recorded in the accession register as soon as possible. Books may not necessarily be kept in a separate display due to space and other constraints, but will be integrated into the main library/archives.
  • Material accepted by the BNHS library becomes the property of the library The BNHS library reserves the right to: retain / sell / recycle or dispose of books that have been accepted
  • Donors will not receive any goods or service in exchange.

Director
Bombay Natural History Society

Conservation of Rare books

BNHS Library has a collection of rare books on Natural History. Many of these books are still in demand. These valuable resources are indispensable to the present and future generations. However, these rich rare books face a threat of survival due to threats from, several climatic, physical, chemical and biological factors. There is an old saying that "Prevention is better than Cure". The same is applicable for the science of preservation. There are two aspects of preservation; Preventive Conservation and Curative Conservation.

National archives of India, Ministry of culture is supporting BNHS in the Conservation of rare books since 2010. So far 81 books were restored, and in the year 2018-19 another 45 books are being restored.

Preventive conservation of rare books in the BNHS Library:

In BNHS Library, proper care of rare books has been taken right from the beginning as a part of preventive preservation by strictly observing the following steps.

    • Round the clock Air conditioning: The library reference section area admeasuring about 500 sq. feet has been under controlled climatic conditions for last 5 years with the help of three air conditioners that run on a rotational basis for 24 hours.
    • Pest Management Program: There is an annual contract for pest control for general infestation, rodents and termites.
    • Cleaning of library shelves is done on a regular basis using Vacuum cleaner.
    • Smoke detectors have been installed to prevent any damage to library.
    • 5. The collection is frequently monitored for its condition on a continuous basis.

Curative Conservation of rare books in the BNHS Library:

The curative conservation work of rare books is being done by the paper conservation team of “Himalayan Society for Heritage and Art Conservation” under the guidance of Mr Anupam Sah, a well known conservationist. All material and chemicals used by the team were of archival quality and of conservation standard. Temporarily a conservation lab is set up on 2nd floor of Hornbill house.

Process of conservation of books

List of New arrival books

Author Title Year Publisher Pages Classif.No.
Sekhasaria, Pankaj State of wildlife and protected area 2019 Kalpavriksh xi, 235P. 639.9(54792)
Bagli, Katie Many secrets of Mangroves 2019 Godrej and Boycee 71P. 823
Lal, Pranay Indica: A deep natural history of the Indian subcontinent 2016 Penguin books 468P. 508(54)
Sowden, Craig Sharks of the world 2000 Mynah 63P. 599
Tucks, Lynne Whales 2000 Mynah 63P. 599.5
Johnsingh, A.J.T. On Jim Corbett's trail and other tales from the jungle 2018 Natraj publisher xxv, 258P. 823
Johnsingh, A.J.T. On Jim Corbett's trail and other tales from the jungle 2018 Natraj publisher xxv, 258P. 823
Baxter, John 100 great wonders of the world: a collection of the world's awe inspiring places, buildings and landscapes 2011 AA publishing 240P. 910
Bass, Karen Nature's great events 2009 Michell Beazley 320P. 508
Parker, Steve Fantastic world of animals 2000 Miles Kelly publishing Ltd. 251P. 590
Pearce, Fred Earth then and now: Potent visual evidence of overchanging world 2007 Michell Beazley 288P. 779.361
Pearce, Fred Earth then and now: Potent visual evidence of overchanging world 2007 Michell Beazley 288P. 779.361
Albouy, Vincent Amazing secrets of nature 2004 Reader's digest 350P. 508
Taylor, Barbara Encyclopedia of elephant, big cats, bears and whales 2000 South water 256P. 599
Simons, Paul Extreme weather 2006 Reader's digest 160P. 551.5
Burnie, David Animal instincts 2007 Reader's digest 160P. 590
Chadd, Rachel Warren When nature turns nasty 2007 Reader's digest 320P. 363.34
Mason, Antony Ancient world 2004 Reader's digest 160P. 910
Amdekar , Milind Odh Abhyaranyachi 2013 param mitra publication vi,103p. 719.32(54)
Dhamankar, Atul Arnyache Antrang 2007 Shrividya prakashan vii,104p. 823
Edlabadkar,sandhya Gavatil Naisargik sansadhne: Ek Abhyas 2005 Jigyasa Trust 574.5
Tamhankar,Kaustubh Shunya Kachara 2011 Kaustubh Prakashan 39p. 614.7
Varkhede, Mangala Ramesh Prakalp abhyas ani shaikshanik navopakram 2006 Brain tonic prakashan 152P. 574.5
Lattu, C. S. Vanspati jagatun sahal 2007 Manovikas Prakashan 87P. 582.16(54)
Amdekar , Milind Sanshodhak nisargyatri 2013 param mitra publication viii, 100P. 920
Jagtap, Ajit Joduya nat nisargashi 2001 Vishwa prakruti Nidhi iv, 100P. 574.5
Gaikwad, Sudhir Thanyache pakshi vaibhav 2017 Hope nature trust 50P. 574.5
Tetvilkar, Sadashiv Durga sampada Thanyachi 2006 Shri Krupa prakashan 136P. 910(54792)
Limye, Vasant Vasant Camp fire 2015 Granthali 214P. 823
Barve, Vishwas Amhi Himalayache varkari 2018 India printing house xi, 349P. 910(5496)
Kingdon, Jonathan Kingdon pocket guide to African mammals 2016 Bloomsbury 304P. 599(96)
payne, Junaid; Francis Charles M. Field guide to mammals of Borneo 2007 Sabah society 332P. 599(595)
Smith, Andrew T. and Xie, Yan Mammals of China: Princeton pocket guide 2013 Princeton Uni. press 395P. 599(51)
Francis, Charles M. Field guide to the mammals of South East Asia 2019 Bloomsbury wild life 416P. 599(54)
Jacob, Thomson C. Maintaining biodiversity into coastal and marine fishries sector 2018 Centre for biodiversity authority 51P. 597.0921
Ingole, V.T. Ashmayugantar 2018 V.T. Ingole 117P. 823
Deverapalli, Padmavathi Finfish atlas of Egree 2017 EGREE foundation xv, 790P. 597
Ahluwalia, V.K. Surprise, strategy amd 'Vijay': 20 years of Kargil and beyond 2019 Pentagon Press LLP xxiv, 276P. 823
Shrotri, Sandip Manuche aranya 2019 Rajhans Prakashan 136P. 823
Shrotri, Sandip Kasvanche Bet 2018 Rajhans Prakashan 101P. 823
Slaght, Jonathan C. Owls of the eastern ice 2020 Farrar, sttaus and Giroux xiii, 348P. 823
Wadatkar, Jayant Ranpingala 2020 Vanyajiv va paryavaran sanvardhan sanstha 98P. 598.2(54792)
Bhure, Narayan Nasik jilhyatil vihang vividhata 2019 Nature conservation society 284P. 598.2(54792)
Khaire, Nilimkumar Sarp: Mitra manvacha 2001 Vishwa prakruti Nidhi 24P. 598.12
Ramachandran, Surya Wildlife of South India 2020 Surya Ramachandran 360P. 799(54)
Sharma, Sunayan Birds in paradise: Keoladeo national park, Bharatpur 2020 Niyogi books 284P. 598.865
Grewal, Bikram 100 best birdwatching sites in India 2020 Prakash books 304P. 598.2(54)
Pandey, Sanjeeva Great Himalayan national park: Struggle to save the western Himalaya 2019 Niyogi books 364P. 719.32(54)
Balachandran, S. Indian bird migration atlas 2018 BNHS xvi, 216P. 598.2525
Subbarao, Gopinath Birds and birdwatching in India 2019 Gopinath Subbarao xiv, 314P. 598.07234(54)
Gadgil, Digambar Pakshigatha 2020 Soham creation and Publication 100P. 598.2
Sawe, Nik Wolf Trails 2001 Oak Grove publishing 194P. 823
Packham, Chris Bird photographer of the year 2019 Williams collins 256P. 598.2
Jhala, Y.V. Status of Leopards, Co-predators and Megaherbivores in India 2018 2018 Wildlife institute of India 301P. 599.74428(54)