The British Library’s North American collections are the largest outside of the US, and hold huge research potential for those working in the social sciences and humanities. For the same reasons, researchers new to the Library may find the experience daunting and not know how to best approach using the Library. This training day will prepare researchers to navigate these vast holdings. It is aimed at American and Canadian studies postgraduate students, and third year undergraduates working on a relevant dissertation topic.

The Library’s North American curator and the Assistant Head of the Eccles Centre for American Studies will lead the day, guiding students through the collections, and giving tips on how to be an effective researcher in the Library. The day will include a look at our often overlooked electronic resources, rich literary holdings, historic newspapers, official publications, and 19th and 20th-century cultural history. There will be several illustrated case studies, and a former PhD placement student will discuss his experience of working with our collection of official government publications. Participants will have the opportunity to register for a Reader Pass.

Participants will be collected from York train station at 09.45 and dropped off at 16.00. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact eccles-centre@bl.uk