Where to start: using the online Oxford Dictionary of National Biography to launch your research – people and themes

The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is one of the most useful resources for online historical research. Nearly all UK public libraries subscribe, as well as many college and university libraries worldwide, so although it’s theoretically closed access, it’s easy to use from home with a library or student/alumni login.

In this video, Dr Adam Budd explains why the ODNB is a good place to start your historical research. He then shows you how to use the ODNB website as a source of reliable historical information and a launch to further investigation, whether you want to study a particular person, or a more general theme.

 

Our thanks to the Bodleian Library for the use of the image in our banner: "William Green Jr. (fl. 1732–1752), Scene at an Oxford Book Auction, oil on canvas, 1747; Bodleian Library. Portrait LP.701, 1F.”