E-Resources trials

Sourced from the private collection of renowned author and documentary film-maker Nasreen Munni Kabir, this resource features unedited interviews with leading Indian film personalities who contributed to the shaping of the ‘Golden Age’ of Hindi cinema and beyond. This material marks the first time that a significant number of Indian film practitioners were filmed for a British broadcaster. Other collection highlights include behind-the-scenes photographs from film sets and popular Indian film posters from the British Film Institute (BFI).

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This collection, curated in association with The National Archives (UK), provides an unparalleled insight into the political, economic, and military foundations of the post-war international order. The materials, which are diverse in nature, cover a wide range of subject matter, shedding light on the perspectives of various state and non-state actors during periods of both cooperation and conflict. In addition to diplomatic files relating to key organisations, agreements, and events, records of global commodity prices, including gold, oil, and food, feature heavily.

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Founded in 1817, The Scotsman was established as a liberal weekly to challenge the establishment’s dominance of Edinburgh’s press. With a commitment to “impartiality, firmness, and independence,” the newspaper quickly rose to prominence for its bold reporting and objective stance. Transitioning to a daily in 1855, The Scotsman has since covered significant historical moments, from the Highland Clearances and the Industrial Revolution to world wars and the RMS Lancastria disaster. Today, it remains a highly respected publication, merging its rich journalistic tradition with modern digital platforms while offering in-depth analysis of local and global events.

Please note: The Library already has access to The Scotsman Archive from 1817 to 1950, this trial gives us access to the newly released coverage from 1950-2002.

The so-called “Scramble for Africa” that occurred during the late nineteenth century involved European powers carving up the continent. The United Kingdom controlled the largest portion of territory. British colonial regulations required each colony to submit a “Blue Book” to the Colonial Office on an annual basis. The aim was to standardise statistical reports, primarily those relating to economic development, as well as demographic, ecclesiastical, and public records. This collection contains Blue Books and other archival material from thirteen British colonies and protectorates in Africa compiled during the period 1821–1953.

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This collection contains reports and other records compiled by the Communist Party of Great Britain's (CPGB) International Department between 1944 and 1986. This periodisation begins immediately after the dissolution of the Communist International (Comintern) and ends shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union. They provide a fascinating insight into the competing power blocs which arose throughout the communist world during the Cold War and how British communists reacted to the resulting, internecine disputes.

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Launched in 1965, London Life was one of several titles owned by The Illustrated London News (ILN). A reincarnation of The Tatler (1901–1965)—which, from its inception, catered primarily to a wealthy and conservative readership—London Life represented a radical departure from its predecessor. This new magazine endeavoured to "reflect all aspects of the life of London". Throughout its brief existence, it proved adept at conveying the spirit of the "Swinging Sixties" in the world’s "capital of cool". Encompassing nearly 5,000 images, this collection contains all 63 issues of London Life, published between October 1965 and December of the following year.

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During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Jamaica was the largest and most profitable island in Britain's West Indian plantation economy. An estimated one million enslaved Africans were forcibly shipped there to work on the island's plantations, from which sugar was the main export. In 1759, Nathaniel Phillips of Slebech in Pembrokeshire moved to Jamaica. In 1761, he bought half of the Pleasant Hill plantation. During his time on the island he acquired four plantations and owned hundreds of enslaved people. Phillips’ papers form part of the Slebech Estate records held at the National Library of Wales. They provide numerous, albeit unsettling, insights into the history of slavery in Jamaica. The collection contains a wealth of information regarding Phillips’ financial activities in the West Indies and, importantly, the documents shed light on the experiences of enslaved people on his plantations.

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Established in 1900 and in circulation until 1964, The Sphere remained under the ownership of The Illustrated London News (ILN) for most of its existence. Clement Shorter—a former editor of the ILN—founded the publication. From its first issue, it adopted a consciously international outlook, aiming to "hold pictures and thoughts from all lands". Upon its release, it was praised as "a striking advance in illustrated journalism" due to the beauty and artistry of its presentation. It soon became popular. This collection includes nearly 160,000 images and almost 4,000 issues from The Sphere, published between January 1900 and June 1964.

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