About Getting Started at the British Library
What is the British Library? What’s in the collection? How can I find what I need? What development opportunities are available?
Join us online for an introduction to the British Library for prospective and current PhD researchers of all disciplines looking to engage with our collections. This event may also be useful for Higher Education staff who support postgraduate research.
This webinar provides:
- an introduction to the Library, our sites and our extensive collection
- guidance on registering as a Reader
- practical tips for using our catalogues, including a live catalogue demonstration
- an overview of development opportunities for PhD and postdoctoral researchers
- an opportunity to ask questions about how to get your research started.
Once you have picked up the basics with our introductory webinar, join us for one of our in-person Doctoral Open Days at our St Pancras site. Each Open Day introduces an area of our collection so you can focus on what will be relevant to you.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- learn about specific collection areas and how to access them
- meet our curators and reference specialists
- see curators’ highlights from our collections
- meet researchers with similar research interests and grow your academic network.
If you're unsure which Open Day would be most suitable for your research, feel free to get in touch at pgr@bl.uk.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list for future research events and opportunities, please opt in to the Research mailing list via our My Interests form.
More information
Full Programme
14.00–14.05: Welcome
Alice Marples, Research and Postgraduate Development Manager
14.05–14.25:Introduction to the British Library
Marcie Hopkins, Interim Head of Collections and Curation
Understand how research at the British Library works, what we hold in our collections and where you can access them.
14.25–14.55: Postgraduate events and opportunities at the British Library
Alice Marples, Research and Postgraduate Development Manager
Charlie Burnell Oubridge, Research Events Producer
Learn about our postgraduate offering, including Doctoral Open Days, PhD Placements, funded collaborative studentships, and fellowships for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
14.55–15.05: Break
15.05–16.00:Start researching with the British Library
Reference Services Team
Find out how to register as a Reader, use the catalogue to search for and order items, use the Reading Rooms, and get advice when you need it. There will be an opportunity for questions.
About the Day
This is an online-only event. Tickets are free but booking is required.
Bookers will be sent a viewing link shortly before the event is due to begin.
Looking for a different Doctoral Open Day? Explore our other Doctoral Open Days currently available to book.
Your support
The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.
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