British Library Doctoral Open Days: 17 & 18th Century Collections  

Practical and inspiring open days for first year PhD students

The British Library holds the world's pre-eminent collection of manuscript, archival, digital and print sources for the study of 17 th - and 18 th - century Britain and Ireland, in both domestic and international contexts, and much valuable material relating to the rest of the world. Our extensive collection includes printed editions, newspapers and pamphlets, letters and diaries of individuals and the papers of institutions, literary sources, artwork, maps and reports.

This event takes an interdisciplinary approach to 17th- and 18th-century studies. It will appeal to all researchers who are interested in working with the British Library collection, including those undertaking PhDs in the areas of history and politics, literature, drama, art & design, and history of science.  You will be introduced to the full scope of the collection and learn how to unlock its potential to support your research.

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

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

This event is for first year PhD students who are new to the Library.

Comments from previous attendees:

‘It was an unbelievably useful day and has undoubtedly saved me a lot of time finding my round the library itself and the website. It also opened up a number of avenues in terms of research that I had not previously considered - most helpful!’

‘You were all so very enthusiastic and helpful that you made a rather daunting library seem much more like a friendly place that we can't wait to dive into!‘

‘Thank you for the careful thought put into the content & talks.’