by Jordan Landes (SHL History Librarian)
Dr James Baker of the British Library spoke about digital research on 18 March.
Senate House Library and the Institute of Historical Research Library hosted a well-attended and interesting event aimed at postgraduate students, independent and early career researchers last Tuesday, 18 March. The first morning sessions introduced attendees to archival and library networks and the concepts behind the organisation of collections and information. The later morning sessions covered new skills such as digital research and digital imaging; more established technologies like reference management software and electronic research resources; and always-important topics like training and giving presentations. The afternoon gave attendees the opportunity to directly engage with information professionals from twenty-three libraries, archives and professional information organisations.
History Lab and History Lab Plus helped out on the day and recruited new members.
Participating libraries, archives and professional associations included: Association of Performing Arts Collections, British Museum Libraries, The British Postal Museum & Archive, Caird Library and the National Maritime Museum, Business Archives Council, the archives at the George Padmore Institute, German Historical Institute Library, Guildhall Library, the Institute of Historical Research, King’s College London Library Services, Lambeth Palace Library, London Metropolitan Archives, Library of the Society of Friends, LSE Library Services, The National Archives, School of Oriental and African Studies Library, Senate House Library, Society of Antiquaries Library and Collections, Special Collections from Goldsmiths University of London, TUC Collections at London Metropolitan University, Theatre and Performance Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Wellcome Library and the Wiener Library.
Dr Elizabeth Williams talked to students about presentation skills during an afternoon clinic.
If you could not attend, the story of the day is available for you to browse, and Dr James Baker of the British Library posted his notes online. The Institute of Historical Research Library and Senate House Library hope to build on the initial success of this first year and potentially hold History Day annually, reaching out to more students and researchers of history, as well as more repositories. We would like to thank event sponsors, Brepols, Cambridge University Press, Maney Publishing, Polity and Yale University Press, as well as the members of the Committee of London Research Libraries in History, and we hope to see you next time.