BBC INFORMATION AND ARCHIVES

Description

BBC Information & Archives comprises the BBC’s libraries, programme archives and information centres. It is one of the largest such services in the UK. The programme archives and collections of recorded and printed music are regarded as the most extensive in the world. Access to the BBC libraries is available at a charge, subject to copyright or contractual restrictions. Such enquiries should be directed to BBC Information & Archives. Licensing of the use of any BBC material is handled by BBC Worldwide.

BBC Information & Archives is a whole media research service. Holdings include BBC Television and Radio programmes and News in broadcast master format with film or VHS cassette access copies for TV and DAT or cassette copies of radio programmes. The BBC Photograph Archive contains over 4 million stills. The Gramophone Collection is one of the largest in the UK and there is a considerable Sheet Music Collection. External access to the BBC archives for research is available in conjunction with Worldwide Library Sales which licenses the use of the BBC content. The Programme Collections date from 1936 for TV and from 1922 for Radio.

Website

https://www.bbc.co.uk/informationandarchives/access_archives

Keywords

London; South East England

Access

Weekdays, 0930-1800 for external enquiries.

Access for outsiders

Yes, at commecial rates.

Copyright

All archive material is subject to licensing by BBC Worldwide; much of the content also contains 3rd party rights.

Moving Image, Audio and Related Documentation Holdings

Masters

1.5 million items of film and TV.

Music

1.2 million records and CDs. 4.5 million items of sheet music.

Sound

750,000 radio recordings.

Still Images

4 million; BBC publicity pictures and actualities collection.

Video/Film

300,000 VHS cassettes.

Catalogues

Computerised database

ELVIS for photographs.

Library OPAC

Inhouse designed databases.

Digitised catalogue

As part of a preservation programme.

Main Contact

Name

Research Team

Telephone

Tel: 020 8225 7193

Fax

020 8576 7020 

Email

ArchivesResearch@bbc.co.uk