Wellbeing Week in the Radcliffe Science Library

Posted on 24 February 2025 by rachelscanlon

Week 5 of Hillary Term is notorious for being a high stress time of year for students and staff. To help our community feel refreshed and rested, the Radcliffe Science Library prepared a range of activities across Week 5 of Hilary Term (17-21 February) as part of a Wellbeing Week.

Highlights from the week

Across the week we had over 230 participants at our events. That encompasses 88 hot chocolates drunk, 56 origami creations folded, countless inkings of 5 different lino print designs and biscuits. So many biscuits!

Collage of photographs of smiling young people some holding cups some holding bags and jeans with prints on them. At the centre is the text Radcliffe Science Library Wellbeing Week.

Craftiness and creativity were in abundance. Many beautiful paper creations were folded into being at our origami sessions and many people upcycled jeans, bags and t-shirts with lucky lino prints. Elizabeth McIntosh, RSL Library Assistant, designed 5 wonderful prints based on the Bodleian Libraries Oracles, Omens and Answers exhibition. Staff and students engaged the artistry and expression by arranging the prints to their own specifications.

Two young women smiling and holding cotton tote bags with lino printed designs.

Student holding up a pair of jeans with lucky you printed on them

A woman sitting at a table holding a stamp against a cotton tote bag

Across the library we have whiteboards asking for feedback. The people have made their voices clear. They asked for hot chocolate and we provided it. We can’t provide it every day, even once in a while is a “morale booster” acccording to one of our students.

Smiling female student holding cup in two hands

Photograph of two male students with hot chocolate smiling.

Female and male student smiling and holding paper cups.

Our nature walk on Thursday was a somewhat damp affair but it was amazing to see the signs of Spring bursting through in University Parks. Nature lovers can continue to boost their wellbeing at the Winter Wonders events in Oxford Botanic Gardens, every Tuesday until 18 March. After origami sessions, Lego Lunches and free coffee the week was closed out with a well attended mindfulness session on Friday.

Photograph of a park with high pine trees and green grass. At the centre is a tall grass like plant with red tips.

Photograph of two young women smiling and half hugging.

Photograph of a Lego peacock, dragon, dinosaur, small piano and tiny space shuttle.

Thanks to all the staff in the Radcliffe Science Library for facilitating and to our great session leaders for hosting such interesting and engaging sessions.

Future Wellbeing events

We have more events coming up this term and over the break, including Craft & Chat on 4 March and the shredding of the Worry Box on 11 March, so remember to check out our Wellbeing Calendar and take a little time for your wellbeing.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for wellbeing events reply here or email rsl-wellbeing@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Spotlight on EDI initiatives

Posted on 16 January 2025 by rachelscanlon

The Radcliffe Science Library values diversity and inclusion and is committed to fostering an environment where all students feel welcome, respected, and have a strong sense of belonging. To support this mission, we are highlighting some of the excellent work by members of the University.

For this term, the library has chosen to celebrate the work done by:

The Oxford Chemists – Charlie Simms, Manami Imada, Sofia Olendraru, Felicity Smith, Josie Sams, Charlotte Oliver, Amygrace Berger, Elba Feo, addressing menstruation and its challenges during lab work.
Dr Gbemisola David-West, Dr Debbie Aitken Obstetrics, and Professor Arathi Sriprakash on racial discrimination and resilience among Black doctors.

They highlight the challenges women experience in labs and at work and the experience of Black doctors during postgraduate training.

MPLS – Winner of the MPLS EDI Awards 2024 in category Best Initiative

PERIODically Podcast created by Oxford Chemists, Charlie Simms, Manami Imada, Sofia Olendraru, Felicity Smith, Josie Sams, Charlotte Oliver, Amygrace Berger, Elba Feo.

PERIODically is a podcast by Oxford chemistry students exploring how the physical, medical and mental health aspects of periods impact studying chemistry, addressing challenges, stereotypes, and ways to improve the experience for those with periods.

Listen to the podcast on: Amazon, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. More information available on the MPLS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2024 webpage.

MSD – Research carried out by Dr Gbemisola David-West, Dr Debbie Aitken and Professor Arathi Sriprakash on racial discrimination and resilience among Black doctors

Dr Gbemisola David-West, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar & Clinical Teaching Fellow, Dr Debbie Aitken, Supervisor and Course director in Medical Education, and Professor Arathi Sriprakash, Supervisor and Professor of Sociology and Education, have summarised their research into the poster ‘Understanding the Postgraduate Training Experiences of Black doctors: A Study of Resilience.’

Available via ORA.

A selection of specific journals for EDI research

The Worry Box

Posted on 20 December 2024 by rachelscanlon

What is a worry box?

Photograph of the worry box. It resembles a small wooden post/mail box.

A worry box is a tool used to manage anxiety and stress by providing a place to “store” worries. The idea is to write down your worries, fears, or concerns on a piece of paper and place them inside the box, symbolically setting them aside. The activity helps people to release their worries and stresses. It can be helpful to know that the worry is gone and is aiding in the growth of something new.

Launching the worry box

Near the start of November we launched a worry box in the Wellbeing Room in the Radcliffe Science Library. Whilst eating some cake to celebrate the launch, students wrote down their worries and posted them in the worry box.

Throughout the term students and staff continued to add their worries to the box.

Two smiling female students posting worry in worry box.

Shredding the worries

In 8th week of Michaelmas Term we had a little ceremony to shred the worries. With more cake, tea and coffee, naturally.

We kept the the worries anonymous but had a lot of fun shredding them. Students gave some very positive feedback on the worry box.

This is great. I wrote a really long note and felt so much better once I posted it.
Student feedback

The shredding was then taken by Rodger Caseby from the team at the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum. The worries that people released during the term will become fertiliser helping plants in the Botanic Gardens grow. The paper chosen for the worries was specially selected to be be biodegradeable.

Rodger Caseby holding plastic bag. — Rodger bringing the shredding to the gardens.

Going forward

Photograph of hand posting worry in worry box .

Our worry box will be in the Wellbeing Room again in Hilary Term. Pop in and try releasing some of your worries.

We’ll have another shredding ceremony on Tuesday 11 March. Join us for some shredding, and more cake. More details are available in our Wellbeing Calendar.

Have a great break!

Posted on 19 December 2024 by rachelscanlon

Accessing resources from home

Term is finishing up and the break is fast approaching. We hope you have a restful and relaxing break – but if you need to get in a bit of work, we have plenty of tips on how to access the RSL and our resources.

Dog reading a book — Image from 2Photo Pots via Unsplash

While you’re away

While you’re away from Oxford, we have a wealth of online resources to enable you to continue your studies remotely.

You can access the full text of many resources via SOLO when logged in with your Single Sign-On (SSO) ID – look for the green Online access icon to find these.

If a book you need is not available as an ebook, then we may be able to purchase one – complete the book recommendation form to put in your request.

Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) provides 24/7 access to reading lists from a range of devices via your Oxford Single Sign-On ID.

Ejournals

All e-journals can be found on SOLO and BrowZine. BrowZine provides access to journals licensed by the Bodleian Libraries from 2005 onwards.

Databases

All of Oxford’s databases are accessible via SOLO (filter by Databases under Resource Type) and also via Databases A-Z.

Check our Subject Guides for key subject-specific resources, including ebooks, ejournals, databases and other resources available online. We also have some great guides for researchers covering reference management, patents and tips on getting published.

Have a wonderful well earned break!

Take a break! Refresh mind and body with a word puzzle

Posted on 21 November 2024 by rachelscanlon

As part of the Radcliffe Science Library refurbishment we have an amazing range of updated portraiture throughout the library. To find out more about the scientists featured in our porrtaits check out our previous blog post.

Silhouette of a man and a woman on a rainbow coloured background. The silhoettes are filled with a crossword.

Have you seen our portraiture yet?

We encourage you to explore the library EDI portrait collection across our various spaces with our exciting new crossword. Download the RSL Portraits Crossword or find copies in the library.

Scan the QR code next to each portrait to find out more about the individuals featured.

Browse the library floor plan to find your way to the different level.

Borrow a laptop at the RSL

Posted on 14 November 2024 by rachelscanlon

We know most people have their own devices these days, but sometimes you forget your laptop, the battery is dead or it’s too heavy to lug all the way to the library.

We have you covered, just borrow one of the laptops we lend in the RSL.

Ask at the ground floor library desk and sign in with your Bodleian Libraries password. The same one you use for Bod Wifi and PCAS. Laptops can only be used in the Radcliffe Science Library.

Anyone who uses this laptop must comply with the Regulations Relating to the use of Information Technology Facilities (also known as the IT Regs or the IT Rules), just as you do using your own device.

Do you think this will be helpful? Let us know what you think.

Food for Thoughts

Posted on 21 October 2024 by rachelscanlon

DPhil Students – help us to help you! (and get a free lunch…)

Join us for a focus group session to give your thoughts on skills training for finding and using information. Your feedback will inform our future teaching and support for DPhil students.

Each focus group will last an hour and take place in-person at the Radcliffe Science Library. Participants will receive a free pizza lunch and a choice of a £25 Amazon.co.uk or Blackwell’s voucher. To be eligible, you must be a DPhil student in an MPLS Department and be in at least the 2nd year of your DPhil programme.

To register your interest in participating please fill out our online form. If you have any questions, please contact oliver.bridle@bodleian.ox.ac.uk and alessandra.vetrugno@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Wellbeing Welcome Lunch

Posted on 8 October 2024 by rachelscanlon

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) hosted a marvellous networking lunch for staff who work in the area of Wellbeing from across the University on the 1st of October. The 49 attendees came from all corners of the University including all the divisions, the Students Union and GLAM. The RSL wellbeing lead, Rachel Scanlon, organised the event to meet with other colleagues working in the area of wellbeing, support and mental health for staff and students.

While eating a tasty lunch colleagues chatted about their own wellbeing work. There were great discussions around what could improve staff wellbeing from book clubs to free food to nature walks. We were also able to highlight some of the great activities coming up in the Radcliffe Science Library all available on our Wellbeing Calendar. Many of our events are open to staff and students such as our upcoming Craft and Chat sessions, taking place on the first Tuesday of the month. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming events.

Attendees were also impressed with our Wellbeing Room calling it “Just what we need”, “Welcoming” and “Really lovely”. We hope to build deeper relationships with our colleagues working in wellbeing, to learn from them and share our own experiences going forward.

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

Posted on 26 June 2024 by thomascorrick

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.

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.”

Find out more about our 3D printing services

Posted on 4 June 2024 by lhoward

Whether you’re experienced in 3D model making or just want to try out 3D printing for the first time, why not try out the RSL3D printing service? This service is only available to members of Oxford University.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing enables a three-dimensional (3D) object to be created from a model, via computer control, most commonly by creating an object layer by layer and then fusing the layers together.

3D printing allows you to “print” a 3D object out of a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, and organic materials. In the RSL, we offer 3D printing in PLA plastic in a variety of colours or PET-G plastic in black or white. Using a process called Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), a 3D printer deposits hot plastic on to a build plate in layers that set instantly to build up a 3D object.

What have we been 3D printing?

The technology of 3D printing offers a wide range of uses and endless possibilities. We have used 3D printing for objects from a Peruvian flute to items created for a space experiment carried out on the International Space Station (ISS).

This ISS project featured a truss assembly and outer cover for an experiment investigating ferrofluids in microgravity, incorporating a series of electromagnets. This project, created by the ISSET-Oxford payload development team and developed from high school student-proposed research projects for the ISS, ran a successful experiment on the ISS in 2022.

How do I create my own 3D object?

Do you have a project of your own that you’d like to create in 3D form? To submit a 3D printing job, send us a 3D file of your model, and we’ll print it out for you. Find out more about how to submit your 3D printing project here.

What is the cost?

Depending on the size and scale of the model, the costs vary. Once your model has been approved for printing, we will get back to you with an estimated print time and cost. We charge £2 for the first hour, and £1 for every hour after that. A typical job takes about 5 hours and so would cost £6.

We aim to print models within 10 working days, although this may vary depending on demand and the size of the print job.

Find out more about our 3D printing services, including tips, resources, FAQs and more, here.

Science and Medicine

A Bodleian Libraries blog