British Library Sound Archive

The British Library Sound Archive holds over a million discs, 185,000 tapes, and many other sound and video recordings. The collections come from all over the world and cover the entire range of recorded sound from music, drama and literature, to oral history and wildlife sounds. They range from cylinders made in the late 19th century to the latest CD, DVD and minidisc recordings.

The Sound Archive offers public access to a wide range of specialist publications, books, magazines and journals covering every aspect of recorded sound. The Sound Archive Information Service enables users to consult the Archive's extensive collection of printed material and also operates a free information service by post, phone, fax and e-mail. The Listening and Viewing Service provides public access to the Archive's collection of recorded sound and video. A range of charged services, including a transcription service which can provide copies from the collections, is available to academic institutions, commercial users and private individuals.

There are six main subject areas within the archive, headed by specialist curators:

• Classical music
• Drama and literature
• Oral history
• Popular music
• Wildlife sound
• World and traditional music

Access

Access is available directly from this page by connecting to the British Library Sound Archive web site - you'll be prompted to login to MUSE as necessary. To access the Library's eResources collection whether on or off campus, simply log into MUSE & connect via the Library eResources links, located on the Library tab. Alternatively, access via the eResources A to Z links on the Library Web pages & login to MUSE when prompted.

Support

If you experience any difficulties in using this eResource please call the Library on extension 27200 or email library@sheffield.ac.uk