Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1935-1997 (Creation)
Level of description
Series
Extent and medium
9 boxes.
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Scripts of radio programmes, 1935-1997, on microfilm.
• Readers wishing to view microfilms of BBC scripts must request them at least one day in advance.
• Many of the microfilm scripts are unique (including some very early scripts); they are not duplicates of the paper scripts.
• Each microfilm reel contains at least as many scripts as one box of paper scripts.
• There are dozens of microfilm reels in each box.
• Most of the microfilm reels comprise at least two films.
• Contents lists appear on some reels, but not on all. The information shown on the outside of each reel is sparse (year, genre, programme title).
• The contents lists are detailed, but they only show the relative locations of scripts on the reel.
• A contents list can span more than one reel.
• A reel can contain more than one contents list; the contents list for a particular film may appear in the middle of a reel, so readers will need to scroll through the reel to find it.
• The microfilms have been printed negatively; they appear to be duplicates of positive versions.
• The contents of some of the boxes and reels may vary to some extent from the details given in the BBC finding aid documents.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
A 16mm microfilm reader is available in the small room next to the Warm Room.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
The BBC finding aid ('manifest') for radio scripts on microfilm is at a higher level in this catalogue (see 'Finding Aids' under the sub-fonds named '2019 Donation').
Generated finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Only a sample of the archive has been catalogued to date. The catalogued material has been selected with particular attention to the need for a representative cross-section (radio/television, English/Welsh, genres and time periods) as well as the wider requirements of the National Broadcast Archive.