Category Archives: RSL Spaces

Celebrating Diversity in Science and Medicine – Exhibition and networking event at the Radcliffe Science Library

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On April 30th, the Radcliffe Science Library hosted an EDI networking event showcasing the “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” exhibition from Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network. Representatives from local networks, Oxford University Black Medics, OxFemTech, Women in Computing Science were also part of the highlight of the event to promote the support they offer to their peers.

A photograph of a woman looking at an exhibition focused on EDI.

A student inspects the exhibition

The “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” ignited discussions on diversity in science, knowledge sharing and follow-up collaborations.

Attendees enjoyed meeting new people and listening to the guest speakers, Laura Eghobamien, founder of the Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network (BMSN), and James Bell, the photographer.

A photo of woman and man talking.

Laura Eghobamien networking with a guest

Those who had not visited the library since its renovation took the opportunity to have a tour and view its new inclusive portraiture.

A photo of a woman working in a lab. at a

One of the new portraits on display in the RSL

Laura Eghobamien, James Bell and the Radcliffe Science Library are interested in expanding the exhibit with portraits of black scientists at Oxford.

If you would like to learn more about the exhibit and have photographs taken, please contact BlackMedical and Scientific Network blackmedicalscientificnetwork@gmail.com  or karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

A photograph of 3 people standing in front of a display

From Left to right: Karine Barker, Laura Eghobamien, James Bell

 

Feedback from participants:

“It was much more powerful than I expected to see all these beautiful portraits shown together.  In principle I’ve always been aware that this kind of representation is important, but such a strong demonstration of the power was really important.  Inspiring”

“Thank you for the event, it was really inspiring, I made such amazing connections and got to talk about diversity in medical sciences and diversity.”

 

You said, we did

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You said, we did!

The RSL team have been working hard to gather your feedback on the newly reopened library. You may have left a suggested on the feedback whiteboard, or maybe you had a chat with one of us. We received an eclectic range of suggestions and we took it all on board and are pleased to show you some of the cool new stuff you asked for!

(To those who requested it: Sorry, we won’t be getting an RSL cat any time soon…)

Vending machines!

Our new vending machines offer snacks, cold drinks, and hot drinks

There are now two vending machines in the vending area. Here you can purchase a variety of snacks as well as cold and hot drinks. Cards and cash are accepted.

Lids for drinks!

If you’re purchasing a drink from one of the vending machines, please help yourself to a lid from the counter.

Lids can be found on the kitchenette counter

Remember:

  • Drinking water and drinks contained in a KeepCup or another container with a sealable lid are allowed throughout the RSL. Other food and drinks are not allowed in the reading rooms or on the stairs. Cold food and drinks in sealed cups are allowed in certain spaces; please check the signage.

More seating!

We’re still figuring out some aspects of the new layout, but we’ve found the space to bring in more seating.

Extra tables can be found in the social study space and reading rooms

Laptop stands!

We’ve purchased height adjustable laptop stands for all reading rooms.

Feel free to grab a laptop stand and get settled in

Sanitary products!

There’s now free tampons and pads in all RSL bathrooms for those moments when you need them. Let a member of staff know if we’ve run out or are getting low.

A range of pads and tampons are available in all RSL toilets

Wellbeing goodies!

If you’ve been to the wellbeing room recently (situated on the lower floor, floorplan here) you might have noticed an increase in activities on offer: We’ve added in more of the things you have asked for: markers, chess set, uno, and even more paper for origami.

Think you can do better? Give it a go!

Don’t forget to pop into one of our Lego lunches which run in the Wellbeing Room 1300-1400 on Wednesdays.

We’re continually looking to improve the RSL, so please do drop us a line if you have any comments or suggestions: enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Wellbeing in the RSL

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We know Trinity Term can be very stressful with deadlines and exams.If you need a break you can always drop in to the Wellbeing Room. It has bean bags comfortable sofas and new nature inspired art. There are also a range of crafts and games available in the room to help you relax and refresh. Sometimes the room is booked for events, see someof the activities we have planned below, but you can drop in whenever the room is free. And it is always free for drop in between 2 and 5pm, weekdays.

Photograph of the RSL Wellbeing room showing a sofa bean bags and cushions.

Relax in our Wellbeing Room

Wellbeing Activities

It can be difficult to take time for yourself especially when you feel under pressure. To help  manage your stress and give you something to add to your diary the Radcliffe Science Library has arranged plenty of wellbeing activities during the term.

Along with our usual Lego Lunches (Wednesdays 1-2pm) we have also organised some experts to lead sessions for students on yoga on 14 May  09-10am, and origami on 9 May 13.00-14.00 and 23 May 13.00-14.00. Spaces are limited so remember to book your place.

Nature Walks

Due to popular demand we are repeating our bird song nature walk, this time in a morning slot to better hear the birds.Book your place on the walk 9.15-10.15, 30 April. If you prefer a lunch time strioll why not join our walk on 13 May 1-2pm. We’ll be concentrating on bees this time with handouts to help us identify which types are in the parks!

Free Tea& Coffee

Sometimes activities and classes aren’t of interest, and you just want a good tea or coffee. No booking needed just pop into the vending area in the Radcliffe Science Library on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm, during term, and get yourself a cuppa. We’ll be serving complimentary tea and coffee every Wednesday in term. You deserve it!

A picture of hot cups and biscuits. Written above is the text Time for a break? Pick up free coffee or tea in the Vending area of the RSL.To see the range of Wellbeing activities we are offering at the RSL check out our Wellbeing calendar. This shows all our activities both drop in and bookable.

Group Study Spaces in the RSL

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Do you work better with others? Have a group project deadline looming? Need access to an AV suite?

The RSL has 5 group study rooms and a seminar room available for any reader to book for academic purposes!

You can book a room here.

Group Study Rooms

Photograph of a group study room featuring a desk surrounded by chairs and shelving, along with a monitor attached to the wall.

Group Study Room second floor reading room

Two of our rooms are equipped with screens, cameras, and microphones and all group study rooms have whiteboards. There is step free free access to all rooms and height adjustable furniture is available in selected rooms.

Group study room with Teams functionality

The booking page gives you a full breakdown of which facilities are available in each room.

Seminar Room

For Trinity Term the Seminar Room can be booked by groups from 9am to 11am. At other times it will be available as a drop in study space.

Seminar Room in meeting layout

You can book a room here.

You asked for more space so we’re providing it!

 

Welcome back to the RSL!

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We hope you enjoyed your break! Welcome back to the RSL and to the start of the Trinity Term.

Radcliffe Science Library, students in library

Photo (c) John Cairns

A reminder of our opening hours for the Trinity Term:
From Monday 22 April to Friday 14 June 2024, the library will be open:

Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm
Saturday from 10am to 4pm
Sunday from 11am to 5pm

You can find out more about our opening hours on our website.

Also a reminder that you can book rooms in the library for academic purposes. So if you have a group study session, a shared project or a tutorial, remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

New vending area

Vending machine

For the new term we have a new vending area in the library, as requested by you. Here you can conveniently purchase a range of snacks and hot and cold drinks to keep you going while you study.

It is open to all users of the Radcliffe Science Library – just pop into the vending area near the entrance. Both card and phone payments are accepted.

Food is allowed in most areas of the library, including the ground floor, the lower ground floor and all rooms except the Informal Reading Room and the Quiet Reading Room. Covered hot drinks are allowed everywhere in the library (please remember though to put a lid on your drink – these are available in the vending area). We also have food waste bins and recycling bins in the vending area and around the library for you to use.

Vending machines

Keep up to date

Remember to check our twitter/X and blog to keep up to date on what’s happening in the RSL.

Have a great term!

Accessible lift out of order

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Accessible lift out of order

The accessible lift in the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) is currently out of order. This means there is no level-access to the lower-ground floor and the Quiet Reading Room.

The small lift, which gives access to the Informal Reading Room and Group Study Rooms 2, 3 and 4, can accommodate smaller wheelchairs. For questions on accessing the library contact marija.babic@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

We apologise for the inconvenience and are working to fix this as a matter of urgency.

The Weston Library, the Social Science Library, and the Vere Harmsworth Library all have level access and bookable group study rooms.

Sign that says out of order

Join us for our weekly Lego Lunches!

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Every Wednesday lunchtime, we hold Lego Lunches in the Wellbeing Room at the RSL.

Student holding a Lego dinosaur

Our Lego Lunches offer the perfect opportunity to unwind in the middle of your busy week, unleash your creativity and have some fun while you have your lunch. You bring the lunch, we bring the Lego!

Just drop in – no booking needed.

Lego creations

Every Wednesday, 1pm – 2pm, in the RSL Wellbeing Room, during term and vacation. See you there!

Student building with Lego

The Wellbeing Room can also be used throughout the week to relax, play games, do a puzzle, read a book or just enjoy some quiet time.

If you would like to find out more about the RSL Wellbeing Room, our Lego Lunches and other wellbeing events in the RSL, please email enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Students in Wellbeing Room at Radcliffe Science Library, University of Oxford

Photo (c) John Cairns

Discover the wellbeing events and facilities on offer in the Bodleian libraries here.

Lower-ground floor reopens

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Thank you to everyone for your patience last week. The lower-ground floor of the Radcliffe Science Library has now reopened. Our group study rooms, study carrells and Wellbeing Room are now opan and ready for use.

Photograph of Group Study Room 1 showing a desk surrounded by 6 chairs with a screen on the wall.

Group Study room 1 is open and available for bookings.

Unfortunately there is still a small bit of work ongoing on in the lower-ground floor. The break out area and the staircase accessing it will be out of use for Monday and Tuesday of this week. (25 and 26 March).

We apologise for the inconvenience.

The Radcliffe Science Library is CLOSED today

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Unfortunately we have to close the Radcliffe Science Library IMMEDIATELY today, Thursday 21 March, due to a burst water pipe. We expect to open as normal tomorrow, Friday 22 March.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

Other Bodleian libraries are not affected, please try using one of the other Bodleian Libraries.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Sorry we're closed sign

Credit: Geralt, Pixabay