Searching the collections
The videos below will show you how to make the most of our online collections search engine, Enterprise. They range from basic searches, to searching for photographs, conducting more thorough searches and how to understand catalogue records.
We are aware that a number of entries in our online catalogue contain either language or imagery which is potentially upsetting. As we do not wish for anyone to feel unwelcome while using our catalogue or collections, we are working to either contextualise the offensive content or otherwise reduce the offence caused. Please click here for a statement on how we are tackling the work on harmful content.
Browse collections
Another way of exploring our collections is to look through the A-Z list we have for organisations and individuals. These are our distinct, named collections and you will find links to their individual pages here.
Bibliographies
To help you start your research, we have produced guides to books and articles on popular topics which can be found in our library:
An annotated catalogue of agricultural manuals and instruction guides – compiled as part of the ‘How To Be Rural: Agricultural Instruction in the MERL collections’ UROP student project (2018).
We produce a selective list of journal and book articles relating to agrarian history. The list is also published in Agricultural History Review:
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Use our short guide to searching Enterprise which includes a flowchart and tips on finding items and understanding what the catalogue is telling you.
If you cannot find what you need through our databases, please contact merl@reading.ac.uk.