British Library readers ponder annual charge

BRITISH LIBRARY readers are being ask to consider paying annual charges of up to Pounds 700. The library issued some 2,500 questionnaires to readers this week to see how much they would be willing to pay, if anything, to use the new St Pancras building and its facilities. It asks readers what annual charge would be acceptable. The annual charge options range from Pounds 50 to Pounds 700. It also asks whether readers would consider paying for a reader's pass, with charges ranging from Pounds 3 to Pounds 20. The British Library board has previously rejected charging for access but has agreed to seek more information on the subject.