Friday, February 29, 2008

BFI NATIONAL LIBRARY VISITS

We are booked in for a visit to the British Film Institute National Library, on Wednesday 4th March. This will be mostly of interest to you if:

  • you are researching anything to do with film or tv OR
  • you are planning to study anything related to film or tv at university (film or practical)

If neither of those applies to you, there may still be relevant resources for you. The librarian is very good and if there is anything there, she will make sure you get access to it.

If there is nothing much for you, you can help other people, or use the web and get on with your own research or just enjoy a day out of school! No decision as yet about the afternoon part of the trip but whatever we do, it will be fun, after a hard morning's work at the library!

You will have a seminar session first with the librarian who will introduce you to their extensive collection of film related resources and explain the system of accessing what you want. We will email your topics to her in advance, and there will be a printout for each of you that will identify most of the books and journals that may be significant.

Bring some cash for photocopying - we will get some copies free but you will probably need to buy an extra photocopy card.

We will need to go in to the library as a group at 9.30 am. Please meet by 9.20 in the foyer where there is a waiting area. Security is tight and no bags can be taken into the library. It is a public library and all guests are expected to work quietly, although we will be the only school group visiting that morning.

In the meantime however, if you want to visit individually or in pairs, the Media Dept has membership and 2 passes. You could arrange a visit during a free am/pm for example.

Opening times:

Monday + Friday 10.30 am – 5.30pm
Tuesday + Thursday 10.30 am – 8pm
Wednesday 1pm – 8pm

Closed at weekends.

To arrange a visit:

Work out a time slot

See Ms Blackborow well in advance to book a pass, and to help you with the email (I will phone ahead for you as well to book you in)

Send an email in advance to let the librarian know your topic area, they will have a printout of available resources for you when you arrive.

Make sure you have some change for photocopying, and collect your pass on the day from the Media Office.

Plan your route to ensure you arrive on time. You will find the library just off Tottenham Court Road, nearest tube Tottenham Court (also Goodge Street) at 21 Stephen Street, London W1T 1LN

Report to the front desk when you arrive, show your pass, collect your printout and make a start!

Google maps link, click here.

You might have to zoom in!

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