TV at the bfi National Library

With the recent acquisition of the ITC (Independent Television Commission) library augmenting already significant holdings, the bfi National Library has one of the largest accessible collections of TV materials in the world.

In researching Britain's Most Watched TV we utilised the library's holdings of journals, including Broadcast and Television Mail, and original data from TV audience research companies, including BARB's reports (1982-2001).

You can explore the range and depth of the collections via the library's online book catalogue; and some of our 16+ source guides - for example TV Sitcom, and Black British Film & Television will provide basic references for anyone doing more research into these topics. Whether you are looking for "Top 10" charts yourself, or want to find out what programmes were scheduled for a particular day, we have the information. You can check what we hold on Z-Cars, and look back at old TV tie-in annuals. We also have TV company promotional material, periodicals such as Fusion (the Associated Rediffusion house magazine, and a design classic), papers from the old Southern TV company, and lots, lots more...

Try these links for more information on researching British television:

bfi National Library

How to access the library and its resources

Screenonline

A bfi guide to Britain's television history

Film Links Gateway

Selected and annotated film and television weblinks