Bodleian Libraries for Post Docs

Posted on 6 February 2026 by kharris

Whether you are new to Oxford or have been here a while, we thought it would be useful to put together a quick user guide drawing together access points for many of the services and facilities available at the Bodleian Libraries.

Spaces for every requirement

The Bodleian is made up of 23 libraries and all of these libraries may be used by members of the University. In addition to more traditional reading rooms, a number of our libraries are able to offer a range of accessible spaces that can be booked in line with your needs. Here are some examples from a selection of libraries with Group study rooms or individual study carrels through to larger seminar and discussion spaces, the booking system enables you to specify both the capacity and facilities needed to meet your requirements.

Interior long shot of a study room. Shows a table with 8 chairs with a large screen at the end of the room — **A group study room in the RSL**

Screenshot of Room Booking system with facility filters — **A group study room in the RSL**

Get the literature you need, when you need it

The first thing to get acquainted with when arriving at Oxford is SOLO. Search Oxford Libraries Online is your digital gateway to the Bodleian Libraries. Find and request physical books, access ebooks and link to everything from special collections catalogues or conference proceedings to specific subject & research guides. SOLO is home to an A-Z of databases to support your work and a huge archive of journals can be accessed either directly or through the University access to the Browzine platform. In the event that you are unable to find the publication you need, you can attempt an Inter Library loan to secure a copy held elsewhere or why not place a purchase request to add it to the Bodleian’s collection permanently?

Screenshot of the search engine of the SOLO system — **SOLO search example**

Free training & skills workshops every term

Bodleian Libraries provide a variety of courses throughout the academic year. All offered completely free of charge, a diverse range of topics to support Post Docs include Copyright, Reference Management, the use of generative AI, Sourcing papers & articles and navigating research metrics. Use the iSkills website to view and book upcoming workshops.

You can also benefit from one to one information and skills support consultations with your Subject Librarian.

Help with Open Access

Whatever your queries regarding Open Access, from funding requirements to article processing charges (APC) the Open Research team is here to provide support.

The Open Access Oxford website has advice and guidance, details of upcoming training and helpdesk contact details for those who have more general questions. There is also a directory of subject and departmental leads who can assist with subject specific Open Access queries.

Research data management services

We know that data is at the heart of everything you do and the Research Data Oxford website is your go to tool to assist you managing your data effectively. From a starters guide, through data management planning, legal & ethical concerns right up to post-project data preservation and data sharing, this site can be your companion every step of the way. If you feel you need more support, the team will answer your queries and if necessary, arrange a meeting to assist with the enquiry.

That’s not all…

Bodleian Libraries always look to provide an environment conducive to you producing your very best work. In addition to our spaces and access to academic materials, we want our readers to feel their needs are met across the board. In practical terms this can mean our ongoing commitment to equal access to services and facilities for all users or by providing short term assistance, such as lending out charging cables or power banks to make sure that piece of work gets finished.

Knowing when to take a break is key to working effectively and the Bodleian Libraries provide a number of spaces and activities to enable readers to take some regular time to focus on their own wellbeing. Remember that as a member of the University, you are entitled to make the most of everything that the estate has to offer from the exhibitions and associated programmes that run in the Weston library throughout the museums and the gardens.

Photograph of a group of six people sitting at a table knitting and creating other crafts. — Group crafting in the Wellbeing Room

Help at the libraries & Subject specialist support

If you have any questions about the library then our Reader Services teams are here to help you. In person on the desks from open to close each day and remotely using Live Chat from Monday – Friday until at least 5pm.

For more detailed questions relating to how the library can assist you in your work – like the sourcing of new database or some guidance on using an existing resource then remember that you can always make contact with your subject or outreach librarian directly. They can assist via e-mail or arrange Teams based (or in person) one to one sessions to make sure that you are getting all the help and support to make the most out of what the Bodleian libraries has to offer.

Four female readers pet a therapy dog — **Readers meet a Therapy Dog**

Lending items provided by the library. Includes two types of mouse, a keyboard, a powerbank, headphones and USB C cable adapters — **Readers meet a Therapy Dog**

The Michaelmas Wrap

Posted on 20 January 2026 by kharris

The first chapter of the 25/26 academic year has been written and a new one is underway here at the Radcliffe Science Library. We thought that it would be a nice opportunity to revisit some of the highlights of the Michaelmas term and to give you a heads up on some things to keep an eye out for during Hilary.

RSL in 2025

Throughout 2025, we continued to ask for your feedback on how we could enhance your experience and in Michaelmas term we continued to add to our offering. Based on your comments, we once again increased the number of monitors available in the library. New product lines were added to the ‘items we lend’ with the noise cancelling headphones proving particularly popular.

Alongside these physical items, we have introduced new programmes including the Pomodoro based working groups. These have seen the Subject Librarians chair timed sessions where attendees commit to focused work and regular short breaks during the two or three hour slots. With refreshments available, they have provided a number of our Postgrads with both a highly effective working environment and a peer networking opportunity. 100% of those who attended a session in 2025 stated that they would join future dates when they become available.

The Subject Librarians have introduced new resources and collections to the RSL’s offering including the Global Health archive, the Science of Synthesis and a World Scientific Quantum Technologies Collection.

They have provided direct support (either through leading/contributing to workshops or holding one to one sessions) to over 2500 attendees during the Michaelmas term across our undergraduate, Postgrad and Postdoc reader community.

Inside one of the reading rooms. Close image of a desk featuring four monitors and the cabling that readers can plug in to — Reading room

Combined image of the four RSL subject librarians. Clockwise from the top left Rachel Scanlon, Karine Barker, Alessandra Vetrugno & Oliver Bridle all pictured in situ in the library — Reading room

Michaelmas Wellbeing at the RSL

Michaelmas term saw the Wellbeing Room in constant use, either in its capacity as a drop in space to provide a relaxing change of scene, or as the host venue for a series of events encouraging readers to schedule a break.

Guaranteeing that the space is available every day from 2pm-5pm on weekdays ensures that all readers have the opportunity to use the room. If you haven’t had the chance yet then come explore and enjoy this unique environment and its facilities.

Our weekly Lego Lunch (every Wednesday) and the monthly Craft & Chat afternoon (1st Tuesday each month) continue to draw regular guests but we have plenty of capacity for more of you to join us. Lego Lunch is a drop in event although we do ask you to sign up for the crafting sessions to help us manage the materials that we need.

Michaelmas saw a number of special events including a Mindfulness session to help us with the skills that build resilience into our working lives. There were two lovely ‘Hug in a mug’ Hot Chocolate days where the RSL team served up free drinks with marshmallow trimmings and no one who attended will forget the happiness that the Therapy Dogs bring as they stopped by for lunch in December. We hosted Post Docs for Pizza and DPhils crafted at Christmas as we laid on networking events for different members of our reader community.

We revisited a favourite from previous terms as we collected (and then shredded!) our readers worries. A cathartic event to end the year saw many of you drop in to share a cuppa and a bit of cake as we consigned our concerns to the past and sent them off to enjoy a new life (as part of the fertiliser used to grow some of the beautiful flowers in the University gardens).

Supporting reader wellbeing across the whole library, we have continued to offer weekly free hot drinks every Wednesday between 10am and noon. This self-service facility is set out by the Reader Services team in the vending area and provided over 275 teas, coffees and hot chocolates last term. Running each week during term time, your first date for a free cuppa is this Wednesday, the 21st January.

Student smiling with her craft surrounded by crafting material

Male student smiles with one of the therapy dogs at his feet

What’s Hilary got in store?

Keep your eyes on the posters and screens around the library as we will be continuing to highlight a series of newly added resources throughout the Hilary term. Each month either an all new resource or a selection of new, subject specific, items will be promoted throughout the library.

In addition to this, we will continue to highlight the opportunities presented by existing resources as the Subject Librarians take it in turn to recommend titles, databases or collections from their field of expertise that can aid you in your work.

They will continue to provide support to both the Bodleian Libraries wide iSkills workshop programme as well as other courses offered by specific Divisions and Departments and you can contact them to request one to one support for specific queries such as purchasing a book that we do not currently hold or help using particular resources as the need arises.

The Subject Librarians will also be leading new Focus & Finish sessions for Hilary, built on the success of last year’s work and using the Pomodoro study technique. We will manage the timings to ensure focused work is followed by short breaks to help maintain concentration and support you with the right environment to get that outstanding task done. Spaces on the first two sessions are available now.

Hilary Term will see a number of additional events added to the Wellbeing Calendar, including details of our Wellbeing Week, which will be released shortly, so keep a look out for more information here and across Bodleian libraries to make sure you don’t miss the chance to time your breaks to coincide with some enjoyable and restorative activities.

We would very much encourage you to continue to give us your feedback, both the positive and any constructive criticism, that you think will enable us to develop and enhance your reading experience. You can do so using the whiteboards situated throughout the library, the comments book located outside the main reading room or by speaking to the Reader Services team in person, on live chat or by e-mailing enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Thank you for continuing to use the Radcliffe Science Library, we wish you every success in your work during the Hilary term and beyond.

A whiteboard requesting feedback covered in a variety of comments

Two smiling female readers with their free hot chocolate

Talk About Your Thesis

Posted on 6 January 2026 by kharris

Talk About Your Thesis: Share Your Research, Build your Confidence

Are you a science or medicine postgraduate looking to develop your presentation skills and share your research with a wider audience? The Radcliffe Science Library invites you to take part in Talk About Your Thesis — an engaging lunchtime event where postgraduates present their work in concise 5–7 minute talks to an interdisciplinary audience.

Whether you’re preparing for your DPhil transfer workshop, a Masters student thinking about doing a DPhil or gearing up for future conferences, this is a valuable opportunity to practise presenting your research clearly, confidently, and in an accessible way. You’ll gain experience speaking to listeners from different fields — a skill essential for both academic and professional success.

Talk About Your Thesis also offers the chance to meet and network with fellow researchers from across science and medicine, exchange ideas, and build connections within Oxford’s postgraduate community.

Deadline for applications: Noon. 11th February 2026

Speaker Selection Criteria

Eligibility

All postgraduates from the University of Oxford whose proposed topics align with the event’s theme and standards are considered eligible.

Topic Diversity

Priority will be given to ensuring that selected speakers represent a wide range of topics, perspectives, and areas of expertise.

Random Selection

Once topic diversity has been maximized, final speaker selection will be made at random from the eligible pool.

Event Details

📅Friday 20th March 2026

⏰Talks 12.00 – 13.00. Lunch 13.00-14.00

📍Radcliffe Science Library

A complimentary pizza lunch will follow the presentations — an ideal setting for informal discussion and networking.

If you’re interested in becoming a speaker, please complete the speaker interest form to register

Do you need a book or resource that we don’t currently stock?

Posted on 20 March 2024 by lhoward

We have a wide range of books and resources at the RSL – but if we don’t have what you want, we can try and source or purchase it for you, via our Recommend a Purchase scheme.

Photo (c) John Cairns

If a book or another resource that you need for your studies or research is not currently held in the libraries or online, we will be happy to find it for you, if we can. The Recommend a Purchase option is a valuable additional tool, and we welcome suggestions and recommendations from both students and staff.

You can submit a request via Bodleian Libraries website (SSO required) – but before submitting a request, do check SOLO to make sure the resource is not already available in Oxford. You can also use our inter-library loan service.

Our specialist subject librarians liaise with various divisions and departments to ensure we purchase books and resources that are useful and meet the requirements of both staff and students. When completing the form, please give us as much detail as possible about the book or resource that you are recommending – the more information you give, the more helpful it will be for us.

We can purchase print books and e-books where they are available. This can include out-of-print books, and foreign language material.

Your request will then be passed on to the relevant subject librarian for consideration, and you will be notified of the outcome in due course.

Credit: Arcaion, Pixabay

ORA AI Collection

Posted on 29 February 2024 by rachelc

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have existed as areas of research for many years but recently these areas have come to the forefront in research in many different disciplines. There are many departments and groups across the University of Oxford that are using and developing AI tools in their research. Many of these research projects have practical applications in medicine, the environment, business and many other areas of society.

Image shows many bubbles cascading out from a central, larger sphere.

Image created by Nidia Dias as part of the Visualising AI project launched by Google DeepMind. Free to use under the Unsplash License

The Bodleian Libraries have recently launched the ORA (Oxford Research Archive) collection on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning available from the homepage of ORA (Oxford Research Archive), the institutional repository for the University of Oxford.

The ORA AI collection gathers AI-related research on many journal articles, conference papers, working papers, preprints, and more – produced by the members of the University of Oxford and mostly available in full text on ORA. The ORA AI homepage also provides links to Oxford AI-related research activities and to research information included in a range of other platforms.

Image shows the sillouette of a human head with scientific symbols.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC 4.0

To mark the launch of the ORA AI collection, an event showcasing current research on AI and Machine Learning from DPhil students and early career researchers will be held on the 19^th March, 10 -11.30am in the Taylor Institution.

Research Data Management

Posted on 30 January 2024 by rachelc

Making your Data do More

Scientific research often revolves around dealing with data. This could be analysing existing data for new insights, tracking down data in publications or online databases, or creating entirely new data sets through lab, clinic and field work. It’s the data that helps you test hypotheses and provides the supporting evidence for conclusions in published papers and theses.

Graphic of various graphs and charts showing different data

Data comes in many forms

Data comes in all different forms from DNA sequences and mass spectrometer readings to interviews with patients, software code and rock samples. Whatever the data, making sure you have good systems in place to manage that data can help ensure that your data is :

Safe – keeping backups and storing data securely can help prevent loss of vital research and avoid running into legal problems when dealing with sensitive data.

Reusable – making sure that data is well documented and in standardised formats can ensure that it continues to be meaningful and reusable by yourself and others.

Shared – Although not all research data can be shared, making data available in online repositories and archives can help speed up scientific research and save money by removing the need to recreate existing data sets and allowing others to analyse data in new and different ways.

Preserved – Archiving data in repositories can ensure that data being generated now can be fully available to the scientists of the future.

Reliable – Data management can improve confidence in the reliability of data and help to demonstrate ethical research practice and research reproducibility.

Citable – Just like a journal article, a dataset can be cited. By sharing and making data sets citable you’ll get credit and recognition for data as another valuable research output in its own right.

Research data management helps you embed sound data management practices into your work. However, getting started can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, the University of Oxford provides you with a whole range of support in this area.

Working together, the Bodleian Libraries, IT Services, Research Services and other groups around the University provide the resources, tools, information and training you need. To help provide guidance to researchers, the University has recently published its latest University of Oxford Research Data Management Policy. This policy is supported by the redeveloped Research Data Oxford (RDO) website which now offers improved access to all the information you need about research data management at the University.

If you’re new to research data management, start here for a gentle and friendly introduction – https://researchdata.ox.ac.uk/new-start-here. Or, even quicker, you can watch the one minute introduction to Research Data Management below.

https://youtu.be/j4l63M9m8qM

Still got questions? No problem! We have a dedicated team that can answer research data management questions – researchdata@ox.ac.uk

Other Bodleian Libraries

Posted on 23 January 2024 by rachelc

Spaces, spaces, where are the spaces?

Since the RSL reopened in October 2023 we have had record numbers of students through our doors. We’re very pleased to have so many people using the library but we’re aware that this busyness has a downside. We’d love to fit everyone into the RSL but we only have so many seats (226 for now). We’re looking into possibilities to get more seating in the library but in the short term we have some suggestions.

Book a group study room

If you are working with friends or colleagues consider booking one of our group study rooms. The group study rooms can be booked up to 10 weeks in advance.

If you are working alone, you can book one of our individual study carrels by emailing enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Avoid peak times

The library tends to get quite busy between 11 and 3pm. You could try coming earlier in the morning, we open at 9am. During term we are open until 10pm so consider an evening session of study.

Photograph of several students in the RSL reading room.

Photograph by John Cairns.

Try one of the other Bodleian Libraries

As wonderful as the RSL is we just can’t fit everyone, but there are 25 other wonderful Bodleian Libraries that you can try. As a member of the University, you have access to all the Bodleian Libraries. A full list is available on the Bodleian Libraries website along with a list of all the different group study rooms available. The list includes information on room size and how to book so check it out.

We have also highlighted some of the Bodleian Libraries sites that are near the RSL so you don’t have to walk too far.

Bodleian Law Library

The Law Library isn’t just for lawyers. Located a few minutes from the RSL in the St Cross Building, the library has four spacious floors of study spaces including individual study carrels and group study rooms which can be booked online. The main entrance to the Law Library is at second floor level via a set of 36 steps, but there is an alternative entrance at the front of the building for those who can’t use stairs. More information on how to access the building is available on the their website. During term the Missing Bean café is open in the St Cross Building.

Photograph of students and desks in the Law Library taken from above. By John Cairns.

photo (c) John Cairns

Social Science Library

Located next door to the Law Library, in the Manor road building, the Social Science Library (SSL) hosts a range of well-lit seating areas. The library is located all on one floor so it is accessible to most people. The SSL also has two bookable group study rooms and ten soundproofed study carrels. The carrels work on a first come, first served basis. There is a café in the Manor Road building also has a café and comfortable seating are on the first floor. During term, the SSL is also open until 10pm.

photo (c) John Cairns

Taylor Institution Library

For those who prefer a more classical library, the Taylor, established in 1845 is an excellent choice. Enter on St Giles through the majestic columns, to gain access to five floors of library space. The main entrance has ramp access but due to the age of the building some parts of the library are not accessible. More details are available on the website.

Photograph of a student at a desk in the Taylorian Institute reading room.

photo (c) John Cairns

Exterior photograph of the Taylor Institute, Ashmolean Museum.

Image By Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0

Vere Harmsworth Library

Our home away from home. We shared a space with the Vere Harmsworth Library, located in the Rothermere American Institute, for over 3 years. Now that the RSL has moved out there is even more space available. They also have group study rooms that can be booked online and seating areas across multiple floors.

Weston Library

It’s the big building at the end of Broad Street, you can’t miss it. Along with the three main reading rooms there are further sofas and comfortable seating outside the reading rooms. Every floor is accessible by lift or stairs so everyone can use the space. Excellent for those who enjoy silent study. If you need a break from studying you can pop down to the café or check out the excellent exhibitions in Blackwell Hall.

Image credit: James Brittain.

Photograph of the Weston Library Manuscripts Reading Room by John Cairns.

photo (c) John Cairns

These are just a few of the many sites available across the Bodleian Libraries. Try exploring them all and see which is your favourite.

Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO)

Posted on 16 January 2024 by catherinedockerty

Reading Lists:

Reading lists are collections of materials such as books, chapters, journal articles, and more, recommended by your tutor for your studies. These lists can be distributed in print or electronically through platforms like email, Canvas, or ORLO.
Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO):

ORLO is an online system for accessing reading lists at the University of Oxford. It offers features such as checking the availability of print items in the library, accessing full-text electronic resources using ‘View Online’ buttons, and aiding time efficiency in your studies.
Accessing ORLO:

You can find your course’s reading list through the ORLO homepage or your course’s Canvas site. If your course isn’t on ORLO, you can contact your Subject Librarian or email orlo@bodleian.ox.ac.uk for assistance. Note that most ORLO lists are private and require an Oxford Single Sign On (SSO) for access.

photo (c) John Cairns
Tips for Using ORLO:
- Download and Export: You can download an ORLO list in PDF format with retained links or as a RIS file for citation management.
- Reading Intentions and Notes: Set private reading intentions to plan your studies and add personal notes to items.
- Filter and Search: Use filters and the search bar to quickly find specific readings or types of resources.
- Save Lists: Save lists to your profile for future reference, even after the academic year ends.
- Report Broken Links: If ‘View Online’ links are broken, you can report them and get notified when they’re fixed (click the three dots on the far right of the reading list item and select ‘Report broken link’).
- View Other Formats: Check book details and explore alternative editions through SOLO.
- Access Digitised Content: Some lists include digitized chapters or articles from Bodleian Libraries, accessible through ‘View Online’ buttons.

For more information see the Bodleian Libraries page on Reading Lists.

Book an appointment with your subject/outreach librarian

Posted on 20 November 2023 by rachelscanlon

Do you have questions about referencing? Not sure where to find key information for your essays or researchers? Perhaps you need help with a specific database? Then you should make an appointment with your subject or outreach librarian. They can talk with you in person, over Teams, over the phones or by email.

Four cartoons together. Top left image shows two cartoon figures reching out of computer screens to shake hands. Bottom left image shows two cartoon figures sitting next to each other in different colored chairs. Middle image shows a cartoon figure talking on an oversized mobile phone. The rightmost image shows a cartoon figure typing on a laptop sitting on a large orange @ sign

You can contact our librarians in whatever way you are comfortable.

Along with helping with your literature search and constructing search queries subject and outreach librarians can…

Provide group or 1 to 1 information skills training
Discuss Open Access issues with you and help you find the relevant inform ation for you
Teach you how to access and manage research data
Purchase book recommendations and are particularly interested in purchasing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion titles to improve our collections
Provide inductions for new staff
Can advise and and train you on reference management software and how to use different styles
Teach you how to navigate subject specific databases
And so much more…

Continue reading →

Science and Medicine

A Bodleian Libraries blog

Category Archives: Bodleian Libraries

Bodleian Libraries for Post Docs

Spaces for every requirement

Get the literature you need, when you need it

Free training & skills workshops every term

Help with Open Access

Research data management services

That’s not all…

Help at the libraries & Subject specialist support

The Michaelmas Wrap

RSL in 2025

Michaelmas Wellbeing at the RSL

What’s Hilary got in store?

Talk About Your Thesis