Library Enquiry Service

The Library Enquiry Helpline is available to all ICAEW members and students. Simply contact us with your enquiry and we will respond within 24 hours. Most of our help is provided free with charges only being made for document delivery services (excluding the book loan service), extended research, mailing lists and company reports.

Telephone: +44(0)20 7920 8620 (including out of office voicemail)
Library Fax: +44 (0)20 7920 8621
Email: library@icaew.com

Examples of some of the enquiries that we can help with…

Accounting

In addition to providing copies of UK and international accounting standards, the LIS can also help with:

• information on accounting for different sectors, e.g. SMEs, LLPs, clubs and associations, charities, agriculture;
• information on accounting in other countries;
• model documents, such as example accounts and engagement letters for specific industry sectors.

Example enquiry:
'I'm trying to get hold of a model set of accounts for a small company. Can you help?'

Career/ personal development and CPD

Whether you're looking for a new job, need to keep up to date for CPD or brush up on soft skills, the LIS has a range of resources that can help. Contact the LIS for information on communication skills, managing people, stress management and work-life balance.

Charities

The role of chartered accountants within charities can be dynamic and varied. The LIS can help by providing a wide range of resources on charities, including accounting, auditing, taxation and legal information.

Example enquiry:
'Do you have an example set of accounts for a charity and an example independent auditors' report?'

Company information

If you need to find company and financial information, the LIS provides UK and international company reports as well as company news searches.

Example enquiry:
'I'm trying to find some information on a Spanish company. Can you help?'

Corporate governance

From the duties and responsibilities of directors, guidance for audit committees to information on Sarbanes Oxley, the LIS can provide resources to help you meet your corporate governance responsibilities.

Example enquiry:
'I'm looking for some concise guidance on directors' responsibilities'

Corporate Finance

The LIS can provide information on valuation, financing, mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts and due diligence.

Country information

Is a client thinking of doing business in a new country? Or are you considering working abroad? The LIS will provide information on most aspects of doing business abroad, including taxation and tax rates, company formation and accounting. If you need to research an industry sector in another country, the LIS can also provide international market research reports.

The LIS can also provide historic exchange rates for the major currencies at end month, average for the month or average for the year

Example enquiry:
'We've got a client retiring to France, and we've been asked to advise on buying a property there. Would you have anything on this?'

ICAEW

The Library holds copies of all Institute publications from technical releases to the List of Members.

Example enquiry:
'We are thinking of arranging a centenary for our firm. Can you help us trace the history of the firm and details of the founding partners?'

Industry information

Do you need to find industry-specific information for a client or do you need to keep up to date with the latest industry news? The LIS can provide industry and market research reports as well as statistics, KPIs and industry news. The LIS also provides tax and accounting information on various industry sectors.

Example enquiry:
'I'm researching the legal services sector. Can you provide any information on key trends, statistics and current issues?'

Law

If you need to get hold of the transcript of a case or a piece of UK or EU legislation, contact the LIS. You can also borrow books from the LIS on the law relating to, for example, companies, trusts and trustees, and charities.

Example enquiry:
'I need to get the transcript of a VAT tribunal case. Can you help?'

Managing People

Your most valuable assets are the people who work for you. Knowing how to manage people and keeping up-to-date with employment legislation are key to the effective functioning of a business. Contact the LIS if you need information on employment and HR issues, motivation, team building, leadership or communication skills.

Example enquiry:
'Would you have an example of a paragraph on email and internet usage at work to go in a contract of employment?'

Money Laundering

The Library's Client Screening Service checks names against UK and international watch lists and can be used as part of your account opening and compliance procedures.

Self assessment

Contact the LIS if you need a reliable source for capital histories, dividends or March 1982 share prices. The LIS will provide information for up to three companies over the phone, free of charge.

Tax

The LIS can provide information on most aspects of UK and international taxation, including double tax treaties. The LIS also provides information on:

- Revenue enquiries/ investigations
- Taxation for different industry sectors
- Overviews of international tax regimes and current tax rates in other countries

Example enquiry:
'Is there any VAT in the Falkland Islands?'