Refresh and Upgrade the BFI Reuben Library & BFI Mediatheque research spaces
Lead Research Organisation:
British Film Institute
Department Name: BFI South Bank
Abstract
The BFI Reuben Library and BFI Mediatheque are central components of how the academic community can engage with and research the vast and unique collections the BFI holds on behalf of the nation. These are bespoke research spaces where researchers can access digitised moving image content in the BFI Mediatheque, and consult the paper collection in both original and digital format in the BFI Reuben Library. At the heart of BFI Southbank, the BFI's public venue on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, these spaces are where discoveries are made, new ideas are forged and research shared amongst the academic community. With AHRC funding we shall be able to refresh and upgrade the facilities and equipment used in both the BFI Reuben Library and the BFI Mediatheque to give even wider, better access to the collections. With increased digital capability, enhancements made to our collection applications for deeper access to the collections and upgrades to our audio visual equipment in order for our events programme to be accessed more broadly, we can ensure access, research and engagement with the collections for many years to come.
Organisations
| Description | This award enabled a strategic renewal of technology and equipment that allows the public to access the vast digital moving image collection of the BFI via the BFI Mediatheque. Through this funding we were able to upgrade our hardware in order to keep pace with the technological changes in providing access to our digitised material, and have been able to become more energy efficient by using the latest sustainable models of touchscreen computers and bluetooth connectivity for the public to use when accessing the collections. It also enabled the refurbishment of the space itself, allowing us to bring it in line with wider design elements of the BFI Southbank and gave us the opportunity to make it a more comfortable and welcoming space for those with neurodiversity. All this has resulted in an increased interest in the space and more importantly an increase in visitor numbers and research access to the BFI collections. |
| Exploitation Route | Access to the BFI's collections has been made easier and more efficient for future researchers to embark on their own academic pursuits in our upgraded and refurbished facilities. |
| Sectors | Creative Economy,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |