Have you just started your PhD? Our Doctoral Open Days are a chance for you to discover the British Library’s unique research materials. From newspapers to maps, datasets to manuscripts, ships' logs to websites, our collections cover a wide range of formats and languages spanning the last 3,000 years.

We understand that researching can be an overwhelming process. These open days are designed to explain the practicalities of using the Library and its services plus help you navigate our physical and online collections. You will have the opportunity to meet our expert and friendly staff and other researchers in your field.

To make the most of your day, you may wish to register for a free Reader Pass before the event.

These events are aimed at first year PhD students who are new to the Library. Each day focuses on a different thematic area of the Library’s collections – just select the one that will be most useful for your research. If you are interested in booking more than one event, please email research.development@bl.uk  Places cost £10 each and include lunch and refreshments.

All events take place in the British Library Knowledge Centre in London, except for the event on 31 January 2018, which takes place at the Library’s site in Yorkshire.

Comments from previous attendees:

“extremely comprehensive and useful – more than I at first anticipated… Looking forward to my next visit!”

“Really enjoyed the day – opened my mind to different sources of data and information”

“All the curators are very helpful, nice and full of knowledge… It was not just about the library but also gave me lots of ideas. Very inspiring. Thank you.”

Still not convinced? View some case studies and read our 5 key reasons to attend a British Library Doctoral Open Day.