Practical and inspiring open days for first year PhD students new to the Library

This event will appeal to all researchers who are interested in working with the British Library collections, including those undertaking PhDs in the areas of history, politics, literature, drama, art & design, modern languages and history of science.  You will be introduced to the full scope of these collections and learn how to unlock their potential to support your research.

The British Library holds the world's pre-eminent collection of manuscript, archival, digital and print sources for the study of 17th-, 18th-, 19th- and early 20th - century Britain and Ireland, in both domestic and international contexts. It is also home to extensive foreign language collections and other materials relating to Europe and the rest of the world. Our holdings include printed editions, newspapers and pamphlets, letters and diaries of individuals and the papers of institutions, literary sources, artwork, maps and reports.  This is complemented by a rich collection of ephemera, personal papers and extensive archival and manuscript collections.

Our Doctoral Open Days provide an opportunity to meet expert staff and other researchers across a range of disciplines and subject areas.

These events are aimed at first year PhD students who are new to the Library and are designed to explain the practicalities of using the Library and its services plus help you navigate our physical and online collections, as a starting point for your own research.

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.

View a draft programme for the day [PDF]

Booking is essential

To prepare for the Open Days:

Follow the link in your confirmation email to complete our pre-event survey.

Pre-register for a free Reader Pass

Check the email address you used for booking to receive updated information and timings in the run up to the event.

Previous Doctoral Open Day attendee

“Overall an excellent experience and something I would definitely recommend to other because it has changed how I will research forever”

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