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Our Resource of the Month choice for June

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Each month we choose an electronic resource which we feel will be of interest to you.

An infographic of an open laptop. In front of the screen (inside an arrow) are the words 'June Resource of the Month' The background is green.

The choice for this month is the Urban Media Archive, provided by the Centre for Urban History in Lviv, Ukraine. This free online resource presents images, videos and oral interviews on Ukrainian and Central European urban history.

An open laptop on a table with the words 'Urban Media Archive' on the screen. Next to it are a cup of coffee and a notebook and pen.

It was chosen because it provides a unique opportunity to follow connections between significant documents and analysis reflecting a specific 20th-century world view.

Resource Overview

The Urban Media Archive documents and makes available materials that often can’t be found in traditional libraries and archives, through an innovative archiving process that emphasises collaboration. Individual archiving projects include the documentation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and collecting personal accounts of the Euromaidan protests in 2014.

Where can you access the resource

This free online resource is available to access at Urban Media Archive.

 

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Our Book of the Month choice for June

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The SSL ‘Book of the Month’ feature highlights a book in our collection. This may be a recent addition to our stock or an existing item that we would like to share with you.

June’s Book of the month is a ten-volume history of Ukraine by its first President, Mikhailo Hrushevsky (1866 – 1934), and translated into English during the 1990s.

The cover of the title 'History of Ukraine-Rus'' On top of the cover is a rosette with the words 'SSL Book of the Month' on it.

 

History of Ukraine-Rus’

Mykhailo Hrushevsky ; translated by Marta Skorupsky ; edited by Andrzej Poppe, and Frank E. Sysyn ; with the assistance of Uliana M. Pasicznyk.

All 10 volumes are available to order from the Bodleian Closed Stacks to the SSL, to consult in the library.

 

It was chosen because Hrushevsky’s inspired and meticulous work demonstrates the power of rigorous scholarship to counteract attempts at cultural erasure.

Book Overview

Hrushevsky set out to write the history of the Ukrainian people during the 1890s, at a time when the Russian Imperial state forbade the publication of Ukrainian-language texts, and even the use of the word ‘Ukraine’. He concentrated on the history of ordinary people, rather than the Imperial elites – and he used every source and methodology he could find, including the new discipline of Sociology. His writing was so careful and detailed that his ten volumes reach only to the seventeenth century – while his lifelong dedication to his project was such that he continued working on it despite arrest, exile and illness.

The History of Ukraine-Rus’ charts the formation and ongoing history of the Ukrainian people, rebutting claims from a succession of Tsarist, Soviet and Russian historians and politicians that the Ukrainian people never really existed prior to the Soviet Union. Hrushevsky’s meticulous scholarship demonstrates the inaccuracy of these accounts, as it also presents sources that are now unavailable, after the destructions of the twentieth century. This book stands as testament both to the continuity of Ukrainian history, and to the political power of detailed, accurate academic work.

Review

‘Hrushevsky’s combination of objectivity and optimism motivated his impressive scholarly productivity. His History stands as a lasting monument both to his scholarship and to his devotion to Ukraine. One can only applaud its wider dissemination…’

Charles J. Halperin, Kritika: Explorations in Russian and Eurasian History, Bloomington Indiana.

How can I access it?

All 10 volumes of this title are available to order up from the Bodleian Closed Stacks to consult in our library.

Image of an open book with the pages curled to form a love heartWhat would your SSL Book of the Month be? Do you have a favourite book in our collection? If so, we would love to know what it is. Add a comment below or email us.

Finishing your Degree this Summer? Things to remember before you go

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A pad and pen on a desk, with the words 'Library Checklist' on it. Next to it is a black covered notebook with the outline of a person wearing a mortarboard.

Here are a number of library related things to keep in mind as you prepare to finish your degree and leave Oxford.

Return all your library books

Please return your books to the library from which you originally borrowed them. Find out the SSL’s opening hours on our webpage.

Pay for any Lost Books

If you have lost an item borrowed from one of the Bodleian Libraries, contact the library from which the item was borrowed with the author’s name, the title of the book, the shelfmark (if possible) and your name and email address.

If the book is not found, you will usually be required to pay a lost book charge.

If you have already been invoiced for a book you have lost, please pay the amount before you leave.

Consider donating textbooks

We would be pleased to receive personal copies of social sciences textbooks that are in reasonable condition and cited on reading lists. We would add these to our lending stock so future students benefit from increased provision.

In cases where we don’t have sufficient space to add donations to our collections, we send them on to Better World Books.

Please pass any donations to staff at our Issue Desk.

Use up your PCAS credit

PCAS logo. 3 rectangles, one yellow, one light blue and one dark blue with the word PCAS verticall next to them.

Any unused credit on your PCAS account cannot be refunded and so we urge you to use it before you leave Oxford. On request, credit can be transferred to another PCAS account. Please email PCAS Support for assistance.

 

Find out about Alumni Privileges

BODLEIAN Reader’s card

Person stood reading a book in the reading rooms of the Radcliffe Camera.

As a graduate of the University of Oxford you are entitled to apply for a Bodleian Reader Card (this is different to your ‘My Oxford’ Alumni card). This card will grant you reference access to the Bodleian Libraries. Details on how to apply are on the University of Oxford degree holders applying for a Bodleian Reader card webpage.

‘My Oxford’ Alumni Card

My Oxford Card. Blue background with an image of the Radcliffe Camera on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can also register for a ‘My Oxford’ Alumni card. This will provide you with a range of benefits and discounts.

Being an Oxford Alumni entitles you to remote access to selected electronic resources. More information can be found on the Bodleian Alumni Journals access webpage.

If you have a Bodleian reader card, you will also be able to access electronic resources in the Bodleian Libraries via reader PCs.

RefWorks Reference Manager

If you have a RefWorks account, you will be able to continue to use RefWorks once you have left the University. However, you need to ensure you sign in with a personal email address to continue using the service as alumni. If you currently use your single sign (SSO) to log in to RefWorks, please read the information on the Bodleian Libraries Reference Management Guide..

Two photos on a desk with Graduates throwing their hats in the air. Under are the words The SSL staff wish you good luck for the future.

Pets as Therapy Dogs Visit to the SSL: Wed 31 May: 12-2pm

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Two images. One of Bella and one of Thea (Pets as Therapy dogs)

For part of the Bodleian Libraries Trinity Term Wellbeing Events the SSL will be hosting a Pets As Therapy dogs visit.

Missing your own pet from home? Feeling stressed? Come along and spend some time with two canine companions.

You can meet Bella and Thea on Wednesday 31 May, from 12-2pm in the Q Step Lab in the library.

 

 

Submit your Book Recommendations to us by Friday 23 June

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Row of books on their sides. The bottom of the books is at the front of the image. The books are set against a yellow background.

Are there any books you would like us to order for the library?

Friday 23 June is the last date for book recommendations this financial year.

You can recommend a book title to the SSL by:

  • emailing ssl-orders@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
  • completing the online form on the Bodleian Libraries website under Collections and resources > Recommend a purchase
  • completing a paper Book Recommendation Form, available at our Issue Desk and in our New Books Display area

Book ordering will begin again in the new financial year, from 24 August 2023 onwards.

Sources of help during the run up to Exams and how to cope with Exam pressure

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A stressed student facing their open laptop and biting a yellow pencil in frustration. A pot of coloured pencils and the corner of a notebook is on the desk beside them.

The build-up to exams can be a very stressful time. To help with this, the University has an ‘Exam Wellbeing’ webpage full of helpful tips and advice, and offers support to address any challenges you may face.

The webpage includes a range of workshops available from the University Counselling Service & supportive resources, such as Podcasts.

Want to talk to someone during this stressful period? Take a look at the University’s Welfare & Support webpage, for information on how to contact:

Try one of our Mindful Activities

Take a break from studying in the SSL and try one of our mindful activities:

  • We’ve got supplies for mindful colouring and origami on a table in our entrance area.
  • There is a jigsaw on the table in our comfy seating area (behind the library PCs). Stop for a break and put in a few pieces.

Bodleian Libraries Wellbeing in Trinity Term Events

Take a look at the Bodleian Libraries Wellbeing in Trinity Term webpage for other libraries offering mindful activities and events taking place this term.

Llamas and alpacas on the Radcliffe Camera lawn.

Photo copyright of Bodleian Libraries

Alpacas at the Radcliffe Camera, Wednesday 17 May, 1–4pm

As part of our initiative to support wellbeing across the University, the Bodleian Libraries will be hosting a small herd of alpacas (and a llama) on the Radcliffe Camera lawn, on the afternoon of Wednesday of Fourth Week (17 May). Go along and pet them, it’s a great way to de-stress and take a break from your desk!

Open to all Oxford University staff and students and Bodleian Reader cardholders – no need to book, just turn up.

A cup on the floor, daylight and greenery are in the background.

Take regular breaks

There are plenty of places to get food and drink close to the library:

Manor Road Café

Serves hot food and drink:

Mon – Fri, 8:30am to 3:30pm

Vending Machines & Microwave

Café closed? There are vending machines located at the back of the balcony on the First Floor. There is also a microwave available for you to use there.

Water Fountain

Located behind the main building Reception desk.

Missing Bean Cafe

Serves hot drinks, pizza, sandwiches, pastries and homemade cakes.

Level 2, St Cross Building

Mon – Fri, 8:30am to 5pm

Manor Road picnic benches

Picnic benches are located at the front of the building, if you wish to sit outside.

Want to eat & drink while you study?

Although food is not allowed in the library, you can bring in bottled water and also hot drinks (as long as they are in a reusable cup with a lid).

Pop-Up Book Display

Pop-up book display in the SSL. It features a cardboard tree with leaves on and leaflets for nearby walks.

We’ve also got a pop-up book display, around the corner from our issue desk. The display focusses on beating stress & encourages you to take a study break & get outdoors.

Find inspiration for local walks via books & flyers (some are directly from the SSL & some around Oxfordshire). There are also titles exploring how nature heals us.

All the books are library use only, so please return them to the display after browsing.

Take a break outside

Mao of green spaces close to the SSL: University Parks, Marston Cyclepath, Music Meadow, Holywell Cemetery, Botanical Gardens and Magdalene College Deer Park.

Above are some examples of green spaces close to the SSL. Want to take a trip out of Oxford for a walk? See below for some inspiration.

Person stood outside on a path (with their back to us) surrounded by greenery.

Woodland Walks close to Oxford

Two contrasting woods are a short bus journey away – with a single ticket fare of £2 on all buses until 30 June 2023:

  • Harcourt Arboretum – beautiful woodland glades, wildflowers, and peacocks.   
    (Free entrance with your University Card.)
    The TX39 and X40 buses both pass near to the Arboretum.  
    Ask for the Baldon Lane Bus Stop in Nuneham Courtenay.
    Cross the road with care as it can be very busy, and follow the footpath into the Arboretum. 

 Wytham Woods – 1000 acres, 500 species of plants, and great views across Oxford. 

  • (Free entrance, but you will need to apply for a Walking Permit first.)
    The ST2 bus goes to Wytham Village Hall.
    Turn back up the road the bus has travelled down, and walk into the village.
    Before you reach The White Hart Pub, turn right and then right again.
    Follow the private road up the hill until you reach the main entrance into the Woods. 

Important information about Bodleian Libraries services this summer 

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A post it note with the words 'Important Information' on it.

We wanted to let you all know about an upcoming change at the Bodleian Libraries, including the Social Science Library, which you will need to know if you are planning to use our services this summer.

We are changing to a new library system and some of our usual services will be unavailable during 16-23 August 2023. Access to the libraries and online resources will continue as normal:

  1. Ordering print material from the Closed Stack: This service will not be available during 16-23 August; you will need to order items at least one week in advance if you wish to consult them during this time.
  2. Scan & Deliver: This service will not be available during 16-23 August; please place requests before 11 August and after 23 August.
  3. Requesting new books and other resources: We will be unable to order new resources until after 23 August; please submit your requests before Friday 23 June to guarantee processing before the start of the new academic year.
  4. Borrowing: This service will be managed offline during 16-23 August; you will be unable to view up-to-date information about your loans via My SOLO during this time.
  5. My SOLO favourites: After 16 August your favourites will be lost; please export them in advance. Contact reader.services@bodleian.ox.ac.uk for advice on this.

Thank you for your support and patience as we implement this large-scale project. We aim for the changeover to be as smooth as possible for all staff and readers.

3rd Week: Free Bodleian iSkills Workshops

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A photo of a laptop open with the iSkills logo on the screenBodleian iSkills workshops aim to develop your skills in information discovery and scholarly communications, covering a variety of resources across a wide range of disciplines. They are primarily aimed at University of Oxford students and staff. Some workshops take place face-to-face, whilst others are run online.

The workshops are FREE but online booking is essential. A list of the sessions taking place this term can be found on the iSkills Workshops webpage.

A cartoon image of a person's hands resting on a laptop with a woman's head and shoulder's on the screen, a cup of coffee, notebook and pens next to them on the table.

Workshops taking place in 3rd Week:

 Data sources for research – discovery, access and use (Weds 10th May, 10:00-12:00)
This workshop will provide a grounding in the different ways quantitative and qualitative data is being made available to benefit researchers. By the end of the session you will also have some insight into how your own future work could add to the process and become part of the research discourse. The course aims to provide an overview of macro and micro data sources available at the University of Oxford, including national data archives, subscription services, business data, and offers some pointers for further searching.
Who is this session for? DPhil students and research staff (particularly in Social Sciences).
Format: Classroom-based (Social Science Library).

Online Sources for Historians (Thurs 11th May, 14:00-15:30)
A general online introduction to the vast range of electronic resources which are available for all historical periods of British and Western European history. Learning outcomes are to: gain an overview of some of key online resources for Medieval, Early Modern and Modern British and Western European History; know how to access subscription resources; and gain awareness of key examples of useful resources: bibliographic databases; reference sources; primary sources; maps; audio-visual resources, and data sources.
Who is this session for? Students, researchers, and anyone else interested in the subject.
Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Referencing: EndNote (Introduction to) (Fri 12th May, 9:30-12:30)
This classroom-based introduction to EndNote is open to all University of Oxford students, researchers and staff and teaches you how to use the software so that you can effectively manage your references. Please note we also run an online EndNote workshop. Please check the iSkills course listing for availability. The workshop will cover: what EndNote can do for you; adding references to EndNote from a range of sources; managing your references in an EndNote library; adding in-text citations and/or footnotes to your essays and papers; creating bibliographies.
Who is this session for? Oxford students, researchers and other staff.
Format: Classroom-based (Thames Suite, IT Services).

 

 

 

 

Library Ergonomic Equipment and Assistive Technology

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The Social Science Library has a range of ergonomic equipment, furniture and assistive technology, designed to help you work more comfortably and efficiently in our library.

Let’s take a look at what we have on offer:

Furniture

The library has 7 height-adjustable desks (5 electronic, 2 manual).

A height adjustable desk in the open plan seating area in the SSL, facing the window.

Two are located in our open plan reading room area which you can reach by going around the corner from our Issue Desk and then turning right to go past the rows of bookshelves. They have recently been moved to face the windows, following reader feedback.

A height adjustable desk in the Silent Study Room in the SSL, facing the window.

Two are located in our Silent Study Room. One has recently been moved to face the windows, following reader feedback.

A height adjustable desk in the Quiet Study Room in the SSL.

One is located in our Quiet Study Room.

Two height adjustable desks behind the PC area in the SSL.

Two are located behind our main computer area and have computers on them.

An ergonomic chair in the Social Science Library

Standard adjustable chairs are available in our two Study Rooms and at desks equipped with PCs. Library staff are happy to fetch or move these on request for you. We also have ten ergonomic chairs available for your use, one of these is pictured above.

Assistive Equipment

The DaVinci Pro’ CCTV/OCR magnifier on a desk in the Social Science Library

The library has a ‘DaVinci Pro’ CCTV/OCR magnifier, which is kept in the south-west area of the library, near the microfilm reader and microfiche reader. This device can display high-definition enlarged images which can be of benefit to readers with low vision. It also has an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) mode which can take snapshots of written text and convert them to audio speech. Please ask library staff for assistance and guidance with the device. A full instruction manual can be obtained from the Issue Desk, and there is a video introducing the device’s main features.

A member of SSL staff sat at the SSL Issue Desk. On the front of the desk is a hearing loop sign.

A hearing induction loop is fitted in the middle of the issue desk, the position indicated by a sticker on the front of the desk.

A group photo of the SSL book rests, coloured acetate sheets, magnifier, Lumie desk lamp, desk lamp, ergnomic keyboard and light touch keyboard.

The following equipment is available to borrow from the issue desk for use in the library:

  • book rests
  • coloured acetate overlay sheets (red, green, orange, blue, yellow, rose & aqua)
  • desk lamps (including 2 Lumie daylight lamps)
  • ergonomic keyboard (recommended for readers with conditions such as RSI)
  • headphones
  • magnifiers (suspended hands-free)
  • slim ‘light touch’ keyboard

Ask Issue Desk if you would like help with locating or using any of these items. Also see our web page on the ‘Social Science Library for Disabled Readers.’

Our Resource of the Month choice for May

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Each month, one of our Subject Librarians chooses an electronic resource which they feel will be of interest to you.

May’s Resource of the Month has been selected by Jo Gardner, Bodleian Social Science Librarian and Subject Consultant for Politics and International Relations.

An infographic of a open laptop. An arrow is in front of the screen, with the words 'May Resource of the Month' on it.

Jo’s choice is Chatham House Online Archive Module 1: Publications and Archives of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, 1920-1979

It was chosen because it provides a unique opportunity to follow connections between significant documents and analysis reflecting a specific 20th-century world view.

A laptop on a table with a pad, pen and coffee cup next to it. On the screen are the words 'Chatham House Online Archive Module 1: Publications and Archives of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, 1920-1979.'

Resource Overview

Since its founding in 1920 as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, London-based Chatham House has been a leading centre for policy research on international affairs. The Online Archive is a searchable database integrating a large extent of Chatham House’s analysis and research, as well as debates and speeches it has hosted.

Where can you access the resource

Chatham House Online Archive Module 1: Publications and Archives of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, 1920-1979 can be accessed via SOLO.

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