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Studying Lifestyles: resources past, present and future
Jude England Head of Social Science Collections and Research The British Library
9th March 2009
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Today
Highlight range of resources available
Handy hints from researchers on best use of the resources
Consult researchers on range of issues including other sources of data and methodologies
Range of organisations and participants
‘….. the study of society and the manner in which people behave and impact on the world…..’ ‘… the scientific
study of economy and societies….’
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External context
Scope of Social Science and growth in multi-disciplinary research
UK Research Council and Government themes
Funding regimes = competitive and time-poor researchers
Concern about cost and value of research; emphasis on re-use of research
Importance and range of data
Wide range of researchers, behaviours and expectations
Long-term research capacity
More emphasis on dissemination, public value and economic impact
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What do researchers want?
Google, Google, Google and our digital lives
Distant from libraries and archives - actual and metaphorical
Access and availability: ‘need for speed’
Competitive and selfish: can be hard to find, talk to, engage
Ethics, authenticity, trusted sources
Improved awareness of the range of resources available
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‘Publick use to all prosperity…’
British Museum Act, 1753: charged with care of books, manuscripts and papers acquired by the state
Organic evolution until mid-19th century and active enforcement of legal deposit
The British Library Act 1972; 1988, St Pancras
Purpose: support all researchers – personal, academic, corporate
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‘The World’s Knowledge’
150 million items 625 km shelves 12 km p.a.Newspapers grey lit Patents
International coverage World wide languagesOfficial and IGO Publications Sound
Oral history IOR Magazines Manuscripts Reading roomsConferences Philatelic
e-publications Websites BIPC
Maps PaintingsPhotographsExhibitions Talks Workshops
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Conclusion and Contact
Jude England (0)20 7412 7670
Alt extn: 7487
Email: [email protected]
Head-Social Science Collections & Research
The British Library
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB
Available at www.bl.uk
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