Discover research resources
The United Kingdom offers access to a wide range of research resources, including online archives, digitised collections and research tools. These resources provide access to materials such as rare documents, films, images, sound recordings and historical records.
Many of these resources are available online through open-access platforms or through institutional access provided by UK universities and research organisations.
Archives Hub and digital collections
Researchers can use the Archives Hub to search descriptions of archive collections held at hundreds of institutions across the UK. The platform provides a single point of access to thousands of archive descriptions and links to digital collections across universities, museums and specialist repositories.
Other major digital research resources include:
- UK Data Service – provides access to a large collection of economic, population and social research data for research and teaching.
- The National Archives – offers access to government records, historical documents and digital collections covering UK history and public administration.
- British Library – provides access to extensive collections including books, newspapers, maps, sound recordings and photographs through its catalogues and digital resources.
Digital collections are available across a wide range of subject areas:
Science, health and environment
Collections in this area include archival materials, historical records and scientific documents that provide insight into scientific discovery and the development of research across different disciplines.
UK digital collections provide access to manuscripts, recordings, films and periodicals covering literature, music, theatre, television and radio.
Archive collections related to politics and conflict include photographs, newspapers, posters, maps, government records and personal correspondence.
These collections document social change and everyday life through materials such as oral histories, statistics, photographs and documentary records.
Together, these research resources provide scholars with access to a wide range of primary sources and digital materials that support research across disciplines.