Visiting and Accessing the Archive
There are lots of reasons why you might wish to visit us in person. We’ve tried to answer all your visiting questions below, but if you can’t find the answer here please do get in touch with us.
Visiting the Archive
Where is the archive housed?
The Mass Observation Archive is one of the Special Collections in the care of the University of Sussex. It can be consulted by appointment at The Keep. Details about accessing the archive are on The Keep’s website.
Do I need to book to see the materials?
Yes! You will need to register with The Keep as a reader. Once you have done that you can browse the catalogue, book a slot to visit and request the different boxes you would like to consult.
Please note that sometimes, especially with post-1981 materials, one Directive may run over several boxes. For example, responses from Mass Observers with codes beginning A-J might be in one box, and the rest in another. In this scenario, if you want to view all the responses make sure you request all the boxes catalogued as belonging to that directive.
Alternatively, you might want one particular topic, for example, just the responses about BLM, but these might be in a box with another part of the Directive. In this case, you will be brought the whole box.
Can I bring my class/community/seminar group?
Yes! We love to host groups and teach about MO. We can run a general teaching session, or we can create a tailored session for you and your groups interests. For general information about our engagement work please click here. To arrange a visit please contact Suzanne, our Engagement Manager.
We advise that you provide a minimum of four weeks notice so that we are able to plan for your visit.
Will I be able to speak to a member of the MO team when I visit?
We’re a chatty bunch here at MO and we love the opportunity to chat with researchers and hear how they’re using MO! However, we are only a small team and we all work part-time. If you would like to discuss something with a particular member of the team please do get in contact with them ahead of your visit and they will be happy to find a time to talk with you!
Alternatively, the reading room desk is staffed by some very knowledgeable people who may also be able to help answer questions you might have on the day.
Do you have any events coming up?
We run events both in person at The Keep, but also online as well. These can be both academic events as well as public events. If you’d like to see our full events line up please visit our events page.
Accessing Materials
What can I view for free and what do I have to pay for?
For Free: If you come and physically visit The Keep you can view all our materials for free. Whatever you want! Find more about visiting The Keep in our visiting section. We are also happy to make post-2009 Directives available remotely to researchers.
If you go to the British Library you can access both Mass Observation Online and Mass Observation Project Online for free.
Paid for: Mass Observation Online and Mass Observation Project are paid for platforms. However, your local university may have access to them. Check with your library team and they should be able to help. If you’re not an employee or student at University many libraries are happy to grant day passes, again check with the team there and they should be able to advise on this.
Can I view documents digitally?
Lots of material you can, but not all of it!
- MOA (1937-1967)
- Diaries, directive responses, file reports and Worktown images ranging from 1937-1967 are available online through a resource published by Adam Matthew Digital for public and university libraries to purchase. The Adam Matthew website provides further details. You can also access this database via computers at The Keep and the British Library.
- MOP (1981-2009)
- Digitised responses sent to Mass Observation from 1981-2009. Mass Observation Project highlights our work from 1981-2009. You can also access this database via computers at The Keep and the British Library.
- Contemporary Materials (2009-Present)
- These documents have not been digitised yet, but if you contact us we can discuss access to the directive responses we have received electronically. If you would like to view physical responses this will have to be done via a visit to The Keep.
If I request access to contemporary (Post-1981) Directive responses what will I receive?
After you have contacted the team to let them know what materials you would like access to and why, you will be asked to sign an access agreement with the archive. Once you have completed this you will provided with a Box file containing all the Directive responses that came to us digitally. If you would like to also view the physical responses you will have to view these at The Keep. We receive, on average, 150 responses to each Directive topic. However these can vary greatly in length, some are only a page, whereas as others can run over many pages.
Other Questions
What, you’re still going?!
Yes! We’re still about and still collecting. Not only is the archive actively staffed, we’re also still collecting responses and commissioning research. The spirit of Mass Observation is alive and well!
I want to know more about Nella Last.
Who doesn’t?! You can find all the current books which feature Nella’s diaries here. If you do not have access to the online databases (all of Nella’s writing is on there) please do contact the team who can advise on ways you may be able to access her diaries.
Who are the Mass Observers?
Anyone could be a Mass Observer. Your neighbour, your boss, even you! Mass Observers are volunteers and anyone can sign up. Applications are currently paused, but please do keep an eye on our social media and website to see when applications reopen.
Do you still listen to people in pubs?
We definitely do not do this now! Whilst the original work of the Observers creates a fascinating insight into life in Britain, this is no longer work that Mass Observation does. All responses that come to Mass Observation are the thoughts and feelings of the individual writer and no one else. We ask our Observers to reflect on their own experiences, as opposed to collecting those of others.
My question isn’t here!
No worries! The MO team is always happy to answer any queries you might have. You can reach them via email or post.