We are our History: Exploring the relationship between the British Empire and the Bodleian Libraries
EDI-related event being run by the Bodleian Library for SSD staff and students. Members of other Divisions are also welcome.

Devika Devika and Alexandra Franklin of the Bodleian will offer their insight into the fascinating and complex history that the library archives reveal about the Bodleian’s relationship with the British Empire. This is a unique opportunity for SSD staff and students to be acquainted with the Bodleian’s rich archival material as research resource, while learning about the library’s colonial links and decolonization initiatives.

The innovative format of the event will involve the presentation of manuscripts and other materials from the library archives and interactive discussion with the audience.

This event arises from the Bodleian’s Mellon Foundation-funded ‘We Are Our History’ project that takes a close look at its collections and its engagement with library users and staff through the lens of race and the legacies of Empire. The project’s title takes inspiration from the American writer James Baldwin, who commented: “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history.”
Date: 23 May 2024, 16:00 (Thursday, 5th week, Trinity 2024)
Venue: Weston Library, Broad Street OX1 3BG
Venue Details: Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre
Speakers: Devika (Bodleian Libraries), Alexandra Franklin (Bodleian Centre for the Study of the Book)
Organising department: Bodleian Libraries
Hosts: Devika (Bodleian Libraries), Alexandra Franklin (Bodleian Centre for the Study of the Book)
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://forms.office.com/e/uQ6UxqJzCs
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Elisha Ward