Library Collections

The David MacGregor Library is a specialist maritime reference library at the Brunel Institute. It contains over 9,000 books, periodicals and research files. The majority of the books belonged to the maritime historian David MacGregor, but other significant holdings have been added over the years. Other donors who contributed to the library holdings include Robert Wall, Michael Stammers, Captain Adrian Small, Michael Williams and Angus Buchanan.

In 2023 the Brunel Institute accepted the libraries of the International Guild of Knot Tyers and Des Pawson and added over 1,000 books on knotting and rope work.

The library contains an almost complete run of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, and significant runs of most major maritime journals. All materials published after 1900 are available for browsing on open shelves. As part of the David MacGregor collection, there are also several hundred historic publications on ship building and nautical matters. All materials published before 1900 are stored in an environmentally controlled store and can be accessed through staff members in the Brunel Institute.

The library catalogue is available to search online.