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Charles Fonge

@fongebob.bsky.social
307 followers 196 following 85 posts

Records Manager and University Archivist @uoyborthwick.bsky.social. Part-time acronym wrangler: BIA, ARC, UOY, CYS, SCOLMA, IRMS. Full-time advocate for folders that close properly. Views are my own.

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Reposted by Charles Fonge
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
'In his [Ivison's] view, the government is avoiding the bigger issues of what universities are for and who should pay for them.' It would help if universities would ask (and answer) that 1st big question in public rather than just parroting government. That's what institutional autonomy is for.
researchprofessionalnews.com
To save UK higher education, start talking about knowledge - Research Professional News
Until debate on universities foregrounds their core purposes, their woes will deepen, says Margot Finn
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A duck’s eye view of a university campus in its fledgling years. #UniversityOfYork #YorHistory #UniversityArchives #CampusHistory #UniversityLife
Aerial view of the university of York campus from the South, looking towards a newly constructed Goodricke College, Physics laboratories and building in the foreground, the Central Hall, Vanbrugh College and the Language Teaching Centre to the north, intersected by the dark form of the lake 
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Reposted by Charles Fonge
Sophie Coulombeau @sophiecoulombeau.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
New low in an exceptionally competitive field. Genuinely laughing out loud.
Based on your expertise in the field, I would like to request if you could kindly spare some of your precious time to review this book and send us your comments at your earliest convenience.

We will be extremely grateful if you can provide a detailed review report on the book within 15 days. If you are able to do this, as a token of our appreciation, you will be entitled to:

1.     25 points, redeemable against any Bentham Science publication charges or service within the next 12 months*.
2.     A signed certificate of review in recognition of your valuable contribution.
3.     Priority re-review opportunity: If the book requires revision, you will be invited for a priority re-review. By submitting your re-review report within 5 days, you will receive an additional 25 points.
* Notwithstanding the redemption of any points, the maximum discount allowed on any invoice is up to 50% of the invoice value.
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John Aerni-Flessner @lesothojohn.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
This is an absolute travesty. Northwestern has, probably, the 2nd best library collection for African History/Studies in the USA (behind Yale and ahead of MSU, UCLA, etc). A self-inflicted wound that is absolutely, 100% unnecessary given the massive wealth of Northwestern--north of $15 billion.
thepurplewire.beehiiv.com
SCOOP: Northwestern moves to close Program of African Studies
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Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Britain has skills shortages across the board. Yet the decision about what to preserve as part of post-18 tuition is being left to isolated groups of university managers whose legal duty is to preserve solvency. That's completely mad. www.hepi.ac.uk/2026/08/12/w...
hepi.ac.uk
What the situation at Nottingham tells us about the national picture for Modern Languages and why the sector should pay attention - HEPI
This blog was kindly written by Professor Pierre-Alexis Mével, Professor of Media Accessibility and Audiovisual Translation at the University of Nottingham. At the time of writing, the University of N...
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Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
The government has now washed its hands of universities in England. Prospective students and parents should be warned: they are now almost unprotected in the event of a failure, and it's possible doors may close *same day* in case of a collapse. wonkhe.com/wonk-corner/...
wonkhe.com
Ministers are throwing students to the wolves
On Tuesday the government published its response to the Education Committee’s report on higher education funding and the threat of insolvency.
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Reposted by Charles Fonge
Postcard From The Past @pastpostcard.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Hot & stuffy & looking forward to seeing you.
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Of interest to UK university #Skystorians: Royal Historical Society open online meeting on 'The crisis in UK higher education: The future for History'. 4 August 2-4 pm.
eventbrite.co.uk
The Crisis in UK HE: the Future for History
An open meeting for historians in UK higher education on what is needed to best support and protect the profession and discipline.
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Luke Seaber @thelong1930s.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Not just research - keeping scholarly societies going, organizing conferences…
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
First they came for the languages. In the hope that no one would have the words to say what was happening. 1/9🧵
bbc.co.uk
University of Aberdeen's plans to cut modern language degrees were 'rushed' - review
The University of Aberdeen says it accepts there were "missteps" in its process in 2023.
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SCOLMA @scolma.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
DECOLONISING MAASAI HISTORY 🗣️ How do you approach decolonial research? Join us for the final seminar in our "Work in Progress" series - this coming Wednesday July 8th, 1pm BST online. Secure your spot while there's still space 🔻 www.eventbrite.com/e/scolma-202...
Seminar advertising poster for de-colonising maasai history at the dopoi center, picture of speakers Mary and Meitamei on a faded Maasai blanket backgroundSCOLMA seminar series dates on a background of faded blue and animated researchers collaborating around a big map of Africa
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The lakeside landscaping has matured (a lot!) since the early ‘70s but the @biologyatyork.bsky.social clock tower remains a favourite landmark on the campus skyline
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Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
This is one of the dumbest and saddest things I've ever seen. We should not think of universities in this way, and if we do that'll destroy everything that is both useful and good about them. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Find out which university degrees could earn you most across your lifetime
New data suggests which university degrees have the highest and lowest financial returns over a lifetime.
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Reposted by Charles Fonge
Rachel Cunliffe @rmcunliffe.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I am BEGGING people - think tanks, governments, random organisations - to DATE YOUR REPORTS WHEN YOU DO THE PDFS. It should not be THIS HARD to find a BLOODY PUBLICATION DATE. You might think everyone will remember the magical day you published it years later. But you are delusional.
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King's Arts & Humanities @kingsartshums.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
💻 Join the @scolma.bsky.social webinar and find out more about Archives in Action – The Three As, a toolkit designed for public archives, community organisations and individual researchers interested in Africa and the African diaspora. 📅 24 June, 13:00-14:00 📍 Online 🔗 Register 🔽
eventbrite.co.uk
SCOLMA 2026 SS: A Toolkit for Working in Archives of Africa & Its Diaspora
Join us to discuss Archives in Action - The Three A's; a toolkit designed by King's College London for parties interested in Africa.
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
🎉 Warm congratulations to @shaunmcguinness.bsky.social, joint winner of the 2025 Francis Jones Prize for the best work published in Welsh history🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿, for his edition of Bangor Episcopal Acta, 1092-1306: our latest Canterbury & York Society volume. www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/college-anno...
jesus.ox.ac.uk
College announces winners of Welsh historical literature prize – Jesus College
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SCOLMA @scolma.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
📅 SAVE THE DATES! We are pleased to launch our Summer Seminar Series (Online), "Work in Progress". It focuses on decolonial projects in library & archive collections on Africa. Collaborative work is difficult, often raising productive but challenging conversations - our speakers will explore this!
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Glen O'Hara @gsoh31.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
What can one even say any more. The Nothing will eat almost the entire sector if controls aren't brought into force. Hey, government! Anyone there? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
University of Nottingham puts 2,700 staff at risk of redundancy
The University of Nottingham says it is facing
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
An early sign (1971)
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Illuminations @illuminations.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
The Government ten days ago released a new strategic vision for archives which makes a strong and convincing case for their central importance. Using it as a yardstick shows just how far short of best practice the BBC Written Archives Centre falls. www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk/new-strategi...
illuminationsmedia.co.uk
New strategic vision for archives highlights how BBC Written Archives Centre falls short - Illuminations
John Wyver writes: Ten days ago, with perhaps rather too little fanfare, the Government released a new strategic vision for archives. Commissioned from The National Archives (TNA) and launched by Baro...
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Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre @antiapartheidlgcy.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
MA student Olivia @uoyarchaeology.bsky.social blogs on behind scenes curating #NormanKaplan #art In @uoyborthwick.bsky.social collections, she highlights York student-led disinvestment campaigns Exhibition @ThinIcePress #York 'til 30th April Read blog 🔗 antiapartheidlegacy.org.uk/behind-the-s...
Archive materials including Nouse, York University Student Press, and photographs from Borthwick Institute for Archives showing student divestment campaigns against Barclays bank and Shell - students carrying placards and graffiti drawing attention to the cause.
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Evening sun
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Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre @antiapartheidlgcy.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Olivia @uoyarchaeology.bsky.social explores York’s #antiapartheid solidarity with South Africa’s liberation through @uoyborthwick.bsky.social archive materials shown w. Kaplan’s art in 'All Shall Be Afforded Dignity!' 'til 30/04, Thin Ice Press #York @actsa-uk.bsky.social @aamarchives.bsky.social
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
‘Blossoms in the field, Bright against the pale green grass, A promise of joy’ (Santōka Taneda) Spring on, and off, campus.
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
I’m so excited to dive into my copy of Inheritance. Athambile Masola confronts themes of freedom, womanhood, and the lingering weight of history with striking honesty. Her poetry is fearless, intimate, and resonant.
Front cover of Inheritance by Athambile Masola.
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Reposted by Charles Fonge
The Intercept @theintercept.com · 09/04/2026
Killing the Presidential Records Act would allow private individuals to hold the keys to American history, forever.
interc.pt
DOJ Wants to Scrap Watergate-Era Rule That Makes Presidential Records Public
Eliminating the Presidential Records Act would allow private actors to hold the keys to American history, forever.
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Borthwick Institute for Archives @uoyborthwick.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Our monthly newsletter is slightly later than usual - we wanted to tie in all our exciting news with the launch of our probate registers and Bishops’ Transcripts onto Ancestry! The probate collection is our Archive of the Month - read on to find out more www.york.ac.uk/borthwick/ne...
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
It was an honour and pleasure to be in Canterbury today representing the Canterbury & York Society at the installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
Canterbury Cathedral in the spring sunshine with a flag flying in the foreground The nave of Canterbury Cathedral
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Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre @antiapartheidlgcy.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
21 March marks Human Rights Day in South Africa & UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Kaplan’s #linoprint reflect the struggle for rights & dignity All Shall Be Afforded Dignity! on now at Thin Ice Press #york, with @actsa-uk.bsky.social & @uoyborthwick.bsky.social
Photography: Steve Russell Studios, Collection: Anti-Apartheid Legacy CentrePhotography: Steve Russell Studios, Collection: Anti-Apartheid Legacy CentrePhotography: Ben Law-Viljoen, Collection: Constitutional Court Trust
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Borthwick Institute for Archives @uoyborthwick.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
🚨FIXED TERM ARCHIVE JOB KLAXON🚨 We are looking for an experienced archivist to develop and implement a scoping project to re-catalogue and make available the York Archdiocesan Archive (6 months full time, or 12 months part time). Full details at the link: jobs.york.ac.uk/vacancy/proj...
Close up of an ornately decorated capital I, taken from Archbishop's Register 28 in the Archdiocesan Archive.
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Joe Giddings @joegiddings.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
"Achieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050 will cost less than a single oil shock and bring health and economic benefits while insulating the country against future costs, the government’s climate advisers have forecast." www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Reaching net zero by 2050 ‘cheaper for UK than one fossil fuel crisis’
Climate change committee finds move to renewable energy would also bring health, economic and security benefits
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David Higham @oldtrotter.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Striking statistics on the importance of the University of Manchester @manchestermill.bsky.social MCC has long recognised this (as did NWDA with Martin Harris on its Board) although initially more as a tool of physical regeneration (eg via the merger with UMIST)…
There is arguably no public figure in Manchester - not even the mayor Andy Burnham - whose role matters as much to the prosperity of the city as the one held by Ivison, a 6o-year-old Canadian academic who wears a hangdog expression and speaks with the pleasing precision of a political scientist.
The University of Manchester employs more than 12,000 staff and brought in £1.4 billion last year, more income than Manchester City and Manchester United combined. Its research makes waves around the world. Its 46,000 students are so pivotal to the economics of the city that when Ivison was recruited in 2023, Manchester's council leader was part of the hiring process. When the BBC's economics editor Faisal Islam analysed Manchester's success recently, he noted that along with MMU, it makes up Europe's biggest university campus.
"Everything comes back to this," wrote Islam, a Mancunian himself. "The knowledge and the educated workforce are the essential raw ingredient upon which this growth has emerged."
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Borthwick Institute for Archives @uoyborthwick.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
This is an amazing resource for anyone working on their York family history, and we're pleased to say the Society is running a second weekly drop in session here at the Borthwick on the main university campus, every Friday from 10am-4pm for all your local history needs 😊 @balhnews.bsky.social
Photograph of members of the York and District Family History Society sitting in front of computers and a digital microfilm reader.
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Doodles. 〰️ 🍥 〰️ Some lovely examples from a 1970s notebook. I wonder if the author was in thrall to deep thoughts or deep boredom?
Red ink fills the page with a series of abstract, geometric and generally symmetrical doodles — circles, spokes, mirrored shapes, and quasi- mechanical‑looking motifs.
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
A campus works best when movement fosters connection. As York’s planners put it: “it should ideally be impossible to go from one unit of accommodation to a similar one without coming into contact with at least one of completely different academic or social character on the way”

A view of Derwent College’s modular “CLASP” buildings on York’s university campus. Low, rectangular concrete panels with repeating window units form a linear cluster. A paved walkway runs through the scene with a few people walking, bordered by a lawn and a leafless winter tree. In the foreground stands a stylish metal street lamp. On the roofline, several triangular roof lights rise above the flat roofs, adding a distinctive geometric accent.
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Prem Sikka @premnsikka.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
England's water companies have paid £85bn in dividends. Borrowed £82.7bn. 35% of customer covers interest payments and shareholder payouts. Sewage in rivers, insecure water supplies. Customer complaints up 50% last year. No exec prosecuted Govt response - abolished fines on water companies.
leftfootforward.org
Public ownership of water is the only way to deliver security, efficiency, investment and value for money
37 years of privatisation has been a disaster
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South West Heritage Trust @swheritagetrust.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Thanks to @thefnl.bsky.social this exceptionally rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge in Devon has been acquired for public research at the Devon Heritage Centre, after more than four centuries in private hands.
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
🤩New out: Universities and the Purpose of Higher Education by @joshpatel.bsky.social, which includes a York case study based on our archives. A brilliant and timely look at how ‘New Universities’ like York navigated post‑war expectations, and the enduring question of what universities are for.
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University and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 26/01/2026
400 jobs at risk. A campus set to close. This film explains what’s happening at the University of Essex and why staff, students and the local community are organising to stop it. 📍 Southend rally | 5 February
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Goodricke College (as was, now part of Vanbrugh and James) @york.ac.uk with the weathering steel footbridge leading to Biology and a campus landscape in its formative years. The landscaping has matured somewhat since this picture was taken!
Grey, concrete CLASP buildings of what is now Eric Milner White Court (part of Vanbrugh College) are shown on the left with the university’s lake in the foreground, spanned by a thin steel footbridge. Recently planted trees and spice vegetation with neatly mown lawns surround the lake. More mature trees, mark the horizon.
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University of Glasgow @glasgow.ac.uk · 07/01/2026
Our Principal, Prof Andy Schofield, took a walk through our fantastic archives, revisiting moments and members of our community who have helped shape the University of Glasgow.   We are proud to celebrate our 575th Birthday. #TeamUofG #UofG575 @uofglasgowasc.bsky.social
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
'Despite persistent myths, employment rates for humanities graduates are comparable to those of STEM graduates, as Humanities Indicators data shows. Early earnings differ but the salary gap narrows significantly mid-career, particularly for graduates who pursue further study'. 1/2
timeshighereducation.com
How universities can cultivate arts and humanities in practical, affordable ways
Are the arts and humanities still needed as universities retrench staff and cut costs? Patty Raun explains why curtailing or eliminating these disciplines is an egregious mistake
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Erin Grievances @erinbartram.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
When we say "no, everything hasn't been digitized," I need you to understand that we really mean is that virtually nothing has been digitized. This is because the realm of primary sources that historians use is incomprehensibly large.
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Jennie Batchelor @jenniebatchelor.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Today the Sunday Times discusses the decline in students studying A-level and beyond. I believe this is reversible. I believe it is necessary. And I’m glad to have some of my words on the importance of the discipline and the vibrancy of our degrees in English at York in the article.
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Tom Calver @tomcalver.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Britain’s population could start shrinking sooner than we think Successive changes to immigration rules are seeing visa applications plummet. Meanwhile, revisions to data - plus an expected student exodus next year - should send the official emigration figures higher 1/4
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
'The analysis revealed large disparities...LGB students made up 24 per cent of the student body at York University, 22 per cent at the University of Oxford' but 6% at QMUL, 9% and Birmingham and at Imperial.' 2/2
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The Mary Rose Museum @maryrosemuseum.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
The first person recorded wishing someone "Merry Christmas" was Bishop John Fisher, in a letter to Thomas Cromwell #OnThisDay, 22nd December 1534. "And this our Lord God send you a mery Christmas, and a comfortable, to your heart’s desire." 🖼️ Wikimedia Commons
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Charles Fonge @fongebob.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
A fascinating interview with Dr McGuinness and nice shout out to his fantastic edition, which is our latest Canterbury and York Society volume (vol. 114) and a great addition to the series and history of the Church in Wales.
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Now part of the University of York campus, Heslington Hall is a Grade II listed manor house dating from 1565–8, It was largely rebuilt between 1852-4. It was constructed for Sir Thomas Eynns, the Secretary and Keeper of the Seal to the Council of the North; and his wife Elizabeth.
Now part of the University of York campus, Heslington Hall is a Grade II listed manor house dating from 1565–8, It was largely rebuilt between 1852-4.  It was constructed for Sir Thomas Eynns, the Secretary and Keeper of the Seal to the Council of the North;
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British Library @britishlibrary.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
We’re excited to share our new main catalogue, making it easier for you to find and request the majority of our published collection. We’ve also launched an interim version of our Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue. Find out how to start searching and requesting on our website bit.ly/BLNewCatalogues
British Library catalogue search page displaying the new main catalogue, designed to make finding and requesting published items easier.
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