The BFI is in the process of refurbishing its library, which will include more digitised content and a move to a new space at the BFI Southbank.

The BFI is moving its library to a new purpose built space at the BFI Southbank and making more of its content digital as part of its plans to modernise the collection.

The new Library will consist of more digitsed content as well as suite containing equipment for self service scanning of paper and microform material.The BFI’s collection of press cuttings, covering film and television from the 1930s, is also in the process of being digitsed.

There will also be a new Saturday service and longer opening hours. It promises to be more “user-friendly”, aimed at both casual visitors and serious researchers.

It will mean that the whole BFI offer will be brought together in one place for the first time, from the Mediatheque and Programming to Education and Collections.

The refurbishment is being carried out by Coffey Architects. Building work starts next month, with the new library due to be open from June 2012.

Heather Stewart, creative director BFI said ‘With so many public and specialist libraries sadly in difficulties the BFI’s investment in its library demonstrates our commitment to knowledge and our ambition to transform it into the leading centre for film knowledge in the UK.”