British Library Doctoral Open Days: Asian and African Collections 

Practical and inspiring open days for first year PhD students

Our collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals, archives, electronic resources and visual arts material constitutes one of the world’s finest resources for the study of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Covering hundreds of languages, the collection includes the earliest items in the British Library’s collections (oracle bones from Shang-dynasty China), and is continually being added to with new publications and acquisitions. Complementing these collections, the Library also holds sound recordings, maps, and other material from and relating to Asia and Africa.

At this event you will learn about the extraordinary scope of our African & Asian collections, and find out how to access them and unlock their potential to support your research. You will meet our expert staff and other researchers embarking on African & Asian Studies PhDs from different disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.

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.

You can see a draft programme for the day here.

Comments from previous attendees:

‘Thank you, was useful and enjoyable’

‘Overall, it was an informative and useful day. It was extremely well-planned.’

‘Due to today’s event, the BL is a more familiar place to me. Thank you.’