About Doctoral Open Day: British Collections 1800–1950
Our Doctoral Open Days are for current and prospective PhD students interested in working with our collections during their studies. Each Open Day showcases a different area of our collection, with the aim of making our materials as accessible as possible.
Our Open Days give you the opportunity to:
- understand how to access our collection
- get expert advice from our Reference Specialists
- speak with curators of collections relevant to your studies
- meet researchers with similar research interests and develop your academic network.
The day will consist of:
- A drop-in session with our Reference Specialists, who can advise you on the practicalities of accessing our collections
- Presentations by our curators, introducing you to their collection areas
- A Meet the Curators session, during which you can view highlights from our collections and talk to our curators about your research
- A roundtable discussion with a panel of researchers who make use of our collections, exploring their research experiences and hot topics within their fields, plus the opportunity to put your questions to them – more information about the discussion topic and the panellists will be released nearer the event
This session is useful for researchers of all disciplines engaging with our collections covering 1800 to 1950, including:
- Modern Manuscripts (1800–1950)
- Modern Archives (1800–1950)
- Printed Collections (1800–1950)
- Modern Maps
More information about what is included in these collection areas is available in our Reference Services guides for manuscripts, maps and rare books.
If you have any questions about this event or would like to discuss accessibility or dietary requirements, please contact pgr@bl.uk.
More information
Full Programme
10.30–11.30: Registration
Registration opens at 10.30. Please arrive before 11.30 for the start of the main programme.
Optional activities
Once you have registered, you can take part in our optional activities. The day is free-flowing, so you are welcome to explore the Library or stay and chat with other attendees or members of our Research Development team.
- Pigott Lecture Theatre – Pre-recorded material will be shown, illustrating some of the additional resources available at the British Library.
- Chaucer Room – Drop-in session hosted by our Reference Services team, who are available to answer any questions you might have about accessing our collections and who to contact when you need support.
11.30–12.30: Introductory Talks, Pigott Lecture Theatre
Learn the basics about our collections and what they include. Curators will provide a whistle-stop tour of their collection area, covering the highlights, as well as less well-known sections. You can then ask any questions you have in the afternoon at our Meet the Curators session. Introductory talks include:
- Welcome to the British Library
- Introduction to Printed Heritage Collections
- Introduction to Modern Archives and Manuscripts
12.30–13.30: Lunch and meet your peers, Knowledge Centre Foyer
Enjoy lunch while getting to know your fellow research students.
13.30–15.00: Meet the Curators
Understand our collections and how to make use of them by meeting members of our curatorial teams. Each team will bring a selection of items from their collection area for you to see the range of materials the Library holds. This is your opportunity to ask any burning research questions! Collections areas include:
- Modern Manuscripts (1800–1950)
- Modern Archives (1800–1950)
- Printed Collections (1800–1950)
- Modern Maps
15.00–16.00:Roundtable discussion
Hear from researchers on their experiences working with the British Library and their field’s hot topics. More information about discussion topics and panellists will be released nearer the event.
About the Day
Please note that:
- on the day of the event, registration will open at 10.30, with optional activities running until 11.30. The main programme will begin at 11.30
- lunch will be provided and is included in the ticket price. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements (allergies, intolerances and vegetarian/vegan), but please be aware we cannot accommodate preferences
- you will not be able to bring your bag into some sessions due to collection security rules, please do not bring any valuables which cannot be left unattended.
- a quiet space will be provided for anyone who needs it.
Looking for a different Doctoral Open Day? Explore our other Doctoral Open Days currently available to book.
Your support
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