1. 1 Studying Lifestyles: resources past, present and future Jude England Head of Social Science Collections and Research The British Library 9 th March 2009

2. 2 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….’

3. 3 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

4. 4 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

5. 5 ‘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- 19 th century and active enforcement of legal deposit The British Library Act 1972; 1988, St Pancras Purpose: support all researchers – personal, academic, corporate

6. 6 ‘The World’s Knowledge’ 150 million items 625 km shelves 12 km p.a. Newspapers grey lit Patents International coverage World wide languages Official and IGO PublicationsSound Oral historyIOR Magazines ManuscriptsReading rooms ConferencesPhilatelic e-publications Websites BIPC Maps PaintingsPhotographs ExhibitionsTalksWorkshops

7. 7 Conclusion and Contact Jude England (0)20 7412 7670 Alt extn: 7487 Email: jude.england@bl.ukjude.england@bl.uk Head-Social Science Collections & Research The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB Available at www.bl.ukwww.bl.uk ©British Library Website