We hold a number of important microfilm collections, which you can access in any of our Reading Rooms. Contact our team by email or speak to us in the Reading Room for further information on accessing these.
Reproductions of books printed ca 1475-1700 in the British Isles, in British colonies, or in the English Language elsewhere. These microfilms are the source material for much of the digital content on the subscription resource Early English Books Online, which is currently unavailable from the British Library.
Reproduction of books printed in 1701-1800 in the British Isles, or printed in English elsewhere. The series contains first (or earliest available) editions and significant later ones, and all editions of selected major authors. Many of these microfilms are found digitally on the subscription resource Eighteenth Century Collections Online, which is currently unavailable from the British Library.
17th – early 19th-century newspapers from the Burney collection (British Library) and the Nichols Collection (Bodleian Library), with some additions from other holding libraries, notably Yale University Library.
Reproductions of the Burney collection of 17th and 18th-century English newspapers. Access to the original newspapers is restricted. The microfilms are shelved in the Rare Books & Music Reading Room, and do not require requesting in advance. Images from the microfilm collection are the source material for the subscription resource of the same name, which is currently unavailable from the British Library.
Reproductions of ca 22,000 printed pamphlets, books and newspapers from the Thomason Collection of Civil War Tracts, dating mainly 1640-1661. Access to the original tracts is restricted. Images of microfilms also available on the subscription resource Early English Books Online, which is currently unavailable from the British Library. Most of the Thomason tracts are also available as photocopies with shelfmark Thomason RAX E. Request in person via the Rare Books & Music Delivery Enquiries desk using the shelfmark of the original tract, i.e.: For E.2027.(7.), order Thomason RAX E.2027.(7.)
Reproductions of the theatre playbills collection of the British Library, ranging from 1730s to the 1950s. Access to the original playbills is restricted.