The British Library offer an annual programme of Doctoral Open Days to current and prospective research students and other researchers. These are designed for those new to their collections and offer introduction to the practicalities of using the Library and help in navigating its physical and online collections. The series begins with a webinar to introduce attendees to the British Library, show them how to access collections and share details of other researcher development opportunities, including the PhD Placement Scheme and fellowship opportunities. This is complemented by in-person Open Days at the BL’s St Pancras site, each focusing on a specific area of the collection.
Please see the below from the British Library Postgraduate Research team:
These events are an opportunity to meet collection curators, quiz our reference specialists, and chat to other students in your field of study. Find out more about our Europe, Americas and Oceania Open Day below or read about the full series on our website.
Thursday 16 October 2025 – Getting Started with the British Library (Webinar)
What is the British Library? What’s in the collection? How can I find what I need? What development opportunities are available?
Join us online for an introduction to the British Library for prospective and current PhD researchers of all disciplines looking to engage with our collections. This event may also be useful for Higher Education staff who support postgraduate research.
Find out more and register here.
Friday 28 November 2025 – Europe, Americas and Oceania (In-person, St Pancras)
Learn about the British Library’s geographic collection areas covering the Americas and Oceania and modern European languages. This event is co-hosted with the School of Advanced Study’s Institute of Languages, Cultures and Societies and Senate House Library. Find out more and register here.
To hear more about future research events and opportunities at the British Library, join our mailing list by opting into ‘Researching with us’ via our MyInterests form. If you have any questions about our Doctoral Open Days, feel free to get in touch at pgr@bl.uk.