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==Online databases available in the Library's Reading Rooms==
==Online databases available in the Library's Reading Rooms==
This  [http://www.bl.uk/eresources/dbstptitles/eresourcesa.html link] details the online databases which may be accessed in the British Library Reading Rooms. For details of the databases which contain newspapers published in India, refer [[Subscription websites-online newspapers, journals and directories]]
The British Library’s Reading Rooms provide computer access to many websites which contain online newspapers, journals, directories etc, published both in India and Britain which may be a source of informative genealogical information.
 
The British Library’s [http://www.bl.uk/eresources/dbstptitles/eresourcesa.html Electronic resources & journals in our reading rooms] indicates that Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), Eighteenth Century Journals, 19th Century Periodicals , 17th and 18th Century Burney Collection ,the British Newspaper Archive  and the Times Digital Archive are some of the databases which may be viewed online in the Library Reading Rooms. Refer [[Subscription websites-online newspapers, journals and directories]] for more details of these databases.


== Visiting the British Library ==
== Visiting the British Library ==

Revision as of 06:03, 15 December 2011

The British Library at St Pancras, London is the home of the India Office Records, which are held in the Asia, Pacific & Africa Collection (APAC) and viewable in the Asian & African Studies Reading Room.

The British Library is one of the UK Institutions that receives a copy of every publication distributed to the UK or Republic of Ireland and these publications are available to registered readers in the Library’s Reading Rooms. For more information see Legal Deposit in the British Library.


FIBIS Resources

FIBIS, in association with the British Library, have published the Third Edition of this invaluable guide to the India Office Records (held at the British Library). This is the bible for all who are researching ancestors in British India and South Asia. Available from the FIBIS Shop
  • Getting started with the India Office Records. 2009 (FIBIS fact files; 2)
Planning your first visit to the British Library? This very practical booklet contains two articles which will reduce stress and possible frustration when beginning research using the India Office Records at the British Library in London. Lawrie Butler was the former FIBIS Research Officer and his helpfully illustrated article "Hints on research in the India Office Records at the British Library Asian and African Studies reading room" carefully sets out what can be accomplished before visiting the library, how to gain admission to the library, and what to do once you enter the reading room in order to obtain maximum results. Elaine MacGregor's article "First visits to the OIOC by a 'newbie'" is a useful case study recounting her experience of using the reading room. Both articles were previously published in the FIBIS Journal. Available from the FIBIS Shop or the FIBIS representative in Australia, Sylvia Murphy (refer FIBIS Contacts).
  • Fibis can provide a research service and/or supply copy documents to Fibis members unable to visit the British Library. (This is expecially useful for obtaining further information where a reference has been found on the Fibis website). For further information about this service email the research co-ordinator on research@fibis.org

Other guides to the records

Science and the Changing Environment in India 1780-1920: A Guide to Sources in the India Office Records by Richard Axelby and Savithri Preetha Nair 2009. The guide is arranged in eleven chapters: plants; agriculture; forests; animals; geology; meteorology; health and disease; water; communication networks and the built environment; ethnography; landscape and topography. Available through Amazon.co.uk from the FIBIS Shop

Also see

Online databases available in the Library's Reading Rooms

The British Library’s Reading Rooms provide computer access to many websites which contain online newspapers, journals, directories etc, published both in India and Britain which may be a source of informative genealogical information.

The British Library’s Electronic resources & journals in our reading rooms indicates that Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), Eighteenth Century Journals, 19th Century Periodicals , 17th and 18th Century Burney Collection ,the British Newspaper Archive and the Times Digital Archive are some of the databases which may be viewed online in the Library Reading Rooms. Refer Subscription websites-online newspapers, journals and directories for more details of these databases.

Visiting the British Library

Free Training Sessions in using India Office resources

Every month the APAC team offer a free 75 minute introduction to their records. This is aimed at the family historian. For further details, including upcoming dates, see the British Library website at Help for Researchers.

Contact information

The British Library can be contacted via the means below. The Library will provide a limited research service and can supply copies of records and documents, particularly, if you have the reference of an item you would like and cannot visit - charges apply. When obtaining copies on CD, please check what format they will be in so that you can make sure you will be able to view them. APAC also hold a list of professional researchers familiar with the collections. Please, however, note that, as mentioned above, FIBIS can provide research assistance and copies of documents for FIBIS members unable to visit the Library. Some India Office records from the British Library, including all the ecclesiastical records, are available on LDS microfilms - refer IGI for links to the LDS Library catalogue and Family History Centres for information about ordering microfilms or using the LDS photocopy service.

Asia, Pacific and Africa Collections enquiries
The British Library
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7873
Fax: +44 (0)20 7412 7641
E-mail: apac-enquiries@bl.uk

External Links