First-time applicants for Fellowship should, if possible, be supported by an existing Fellow of the institute. In this instance the proposer only needs to sign the form. If this is not possible we accept a letter of recommendation from any person of standing stating why they think you would be suitable to be a Fellow of the RAI.

How can I access the journals online?

To access the journals online you need to first register on the Blackwell Publishing site here: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/rai/. Once you have registered this will also be where you login to access the journals. In order to register you will need your customer number, your username (this should be your surname), password (this you can make up yourself) and your email address.

Where can I find my customer number?

Your customer number appears on your address label when you receive your journals. If you do not have your address label you can contact the Royal Anthropological Institute .

What can I access online as a Fellow?

Fellows have access to the entire back files of both journals online. As a Fellow, you can access the entire back catalogue of both journals up to 5 years preceding the current year through the JSTOR and from 2000 onwards, through Blackwell Synergy. To access both of these you go to the Blackwell Publishing site at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/rai/.

What can I access online as a Member?

Members have access to Anthropology Today from the 2000 volume onwards online through Blackwell Synergy. To access this you go to the Blackwell Publishing site at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/rai/.

What can I access online as a Student Associate?

Student Associates have access to Anthropology Today and The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute from the 2000 volume onwards online through Blackwell Synergy. To access this you go to the Blackwell Publishing site at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/rai/.

Why am I receiving back issues?

Subscriptions run from January to December; if you join during the year you will be sent back issues to complete the year.

How do I receive my 25% discount on Blackwell Publications?

You need to print off the form that can be downloaded here, www.blackwellpublishing.com/society.asp?ref=1359-0987. Then you fill it in and return it to Blackwell who will then ship you your books.

Can I get my discount at Blackwell’s Bookshop?

No, Blackwell Publishing and the Blackwell bookstore are two separate companies. The discount is only available through Blackwell Publishing.

How can I access the Anthropology Library at the Centre for Anthropology?

The Anthropology Library is located in the British Museum, opposite the Islamic galleries by the north entrance. The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 to 16:45 and on Thursday from 12:00 to 19:00. For more information about the history of the library please see http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/ethno/ethservlib.html. For specific questions about the collection you can contact the library on +44 (0)20 7323 8031 or email them on anthropologylibrary@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk.

Which books can I borrow from the Anthropology Library at the Centre for Anthropology?

Fellows can borrow books from the Anthropology Library that have been donated by the Royal Anthropological Institute. These make up about two thirds of the library’s book holdings.

How many books can I borrow from the Anthropology Library at the Centre for Anthropology?

Fellows can borrow up to ten books at a time. Junior Fellows can borrow up to four books. Members and Student Associates do not have any borrowing privileges.

How do I access the Royal Anthropological Institute Collection: Photographic, Film and Textual Resources in Anthropology?

In order to access the collections you need to make an appointment with the appropriate staff member. If you would like to see the photo collection, please contact the Photo Curator by . If you would like to see the film collection, please contact the Film Officer by . If you would like to see the manuscripts and archives collection, please contact the Archives Officer by . Access is free if you are a student or a fellow, Member or Student associate of the RAI; otherwise, an access fee will be charged.

Whom do I notify of my change of address?

You need to let the Membership Manager know about your change of address. You can phone on +44 (0)20 7387 0455, or by email to the Membership Manager.

I am having difficulties joining or renewing; or receiving the journals I am entitled to; what should I do?

Contact the RAI by post at 50 Fitzroy St, London W1T 5BT, UK; by phone on +44 (0)20 7387 0455, or by email to .

I want to talk to the RAI about its policies or activities. Whom should I contact?

You should contact the Office Manager in the first instance by post at 50 Fitzroy St, London W1T 5BT, UK; by phone on +44 (0)20 7387 0455, or by email to the If she cannot deal with your question, she will refer it to the appropriate staff member or to the Director.