The Illustated London News from British Online Archives (1842-2003) is a major historical newspaper archive containing a complete rum of the world’s first illustrated weekly news magazine.
Founded in 1842, by Herbert Ingram, the publication is regarded as groundbreaking due it combined news reporting together with detailed engravings and photographs. This provided visual coverage of events from the Unite Kingdom and more globally.
Features on culture, science, literature, society, and technology
Reports on major historical events
A key strength of this collection is that it allows you to track a large portion of Britain’s imperial history—from the Victorian heyday of the empire, through to its fragmentation during the twentieth century. So it’s great for research for both students and academics on related topics from culture, literature, society, technology and history to name but a few.
This trial will end on the 24th of November 2026.
Please email feedback in terms of use, content and functionality and how it would fit with teaching and research you’re involved with to libengagement@ncl.ac.uk
Welcome to the November newsletter from Newcastle University Library. In this update we highlight resources we are trialling in Semester 1, a new archive held by the Library, upcoming Your Skills sessions and two opportunities for postgraduate students to work with the Library as part of a Bequest studentship.
Resource News
New resource: Mass Observation Project, Part IV (2010s)
The Library now provides access to the latest module of the Mass Observation Project, covering the years 2010–2019. Explore thousands of personal accounts documenting life in Britain during a decade marked by events including Brexit, the London Olympics and the rise of social media. The collection offers invaluable primary source material for students and researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
The subjects and modules taught at the University are constantly evolving, and the Library works hard to ensure you have access to the most relevant databases, journals and specialist resources. We regularly explore new resources recommended by your lecturers and, where possible, arrange trial access so that you can test them and help shape future Library collections. We currently have trial access to two resources. Discover what they offer, how to access them, and how to share your feedback below.
As we move into November, the Your Skills programme is more focused on refining and editing your assignments, and beginning to think about the Semester 1 assessment period. All sessions are available now for you to book your place. Your Skills is open to taught students from all Faculties, so join us for any session that you think will help you to develop the skills you need for where you are in your student journey right now.
The Academic Engagement Team drop-ins allow you to meet us and ask your questions without needing to book an appointment. Some drop-ins are linked to specific modules or with a defined focus such as assignment or dissertation clinics, while others are a more open opportunity.
You can find a calendar of upcoming drop-ins on the Academic Skills Kit, and watch out for Canvas announcements for any module drop-ins.
Tea at 3
Tea at 3 happens regularly in the Philip Robinson Library Academic Skills Hub, 15.00-16.30. There is no need to book – just turn up! It is your opportunity to join the Academic Skills Team for a cuppa and academic skills advice. Join the team on Tuesday 10 November for the next Tea at 3.
Ask us your academic skills questions
Free tea, coffee, and biscuits to help you recharge!
Robinson Bequest Bursaries: Gain Research Experience with the Library
Applications are open for Robinson Bequest bursaries, offering postgraduate students the opportunity to work on a real-world UX research and design projectto improve signage and wayfinding across Newcastle University’s libraries. Bursary holders will gain hands-on experience in user research, data analysis, and design while contributing to enhancements that benefit the wider library community. Each bursary is worth £3,000 and includes 100 hours of paid project experience during the academic year.
Interested? Find out more about the bursary, eligibility criteria, and how to apply on the Library website. Applications are open until 16 November.
AmberSide Collection at Newcastle University Special Collections
The internationally recognised AmberSide Collection is now on loan to Newcastle University Special Collections as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported Relocating Amber project.
Spanning more than 50 years, the collection includes over 20,000 photographs, around 100 films, and extensive archives documenting life across the North East and beyond. Covering topics such as mining, shipbuilding, housing, youth culture, migration, protest, family life, and local communities, it offers a unique record of social and cultural change.
Now cared for by Newcastle University Special Collections, the collection will be preserved in specialist archival facilities while becoming more accessible for teaching, research, and public engagement. It is a valuable resource for students interested in history, sociology, political activism, media, photography, and regional heritage.
The Academic Engagement Librarians can help you develop your skills in finding, evaluating and managing information, and advise on improving your information search. The Academic Skills Team can help you with a broad range of academic and research skills, academic writing and preparing for assessment.
Launched in 1981 by the University of Sussex as a rebirth of the original 1937 Mass Observation, its founders’ aim was to document the social history of Britain by recruiting volunteers to write about their lives and opinions. Still growing, it is one of the most important sources available for qualitative social data in the UK.
This collection consists of the directives (questionnaires) sent out by Mass Observation between to different respondents. So replies or evidence contains diaries, letters, photographs and other personal type documents.
Functionality includes “Browse by Directive” or “Filter by Key Topics”
Additional part IV now added to our subscriptions and accessed via Library Search.
Check it out for a wide range of topics including political and social themes of the period, plus insights into everyday life. Great for research, dissertations and information about cultural and society.
