Wellbeing at the Radcliffe Science Library

Posted on 8 October 2025 by kharris

As we start a new term, we wanted to take the opportunity to let both new undergraduates and returning readers know about the facilities and events here at the library to support your personal wellbeing. Making the time to take a break will allow you to be more rested, energised, and prepared for your everyday challenges.

RSL Wellbeing Room

The Wellbeing Room is located on the lower ground floor of the library and can be accessed using your library card. The room is spacious, calm and full of diversions to help clear the mind of ever growing to-do lists. From jigsaws and board games to bean bags and soft toys, there’s something for pretty much everyone who just wants to enjoy that bit of quiet time. We have a selection of wellbeing books, which are available to borrow, and the room itself can be booked by e-mailing rsl-wellbeing@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. The Wellbeing Room is kept free for drop in visitors every weekday from 2-5pm so you can be sure that, in the event of a stressful morning, there is always some respite available in the sanctuary of this space.

Photograph. A wide shot of the interior of the Wellbeing Room. It shows shelving full of books and games with a large screen in the centre. There are comfy armchairs and potted plants in the foreground

Photograph of a colouring book and a set of coloured pencils on a table top. One page of the book is completed and coloured in, the other just the unused outline

The regular building blocks of wellbeing…

As well as the daily drop in slot, the library offers a series of regular events to get your creative juices flowing and help sooth body and mind. Every Wednesday we host a double header, starting with free tea & coffee available from 10am-12 noon in the vending area. After a caffeine hit, remind yourself that everything is awesome with Lego Lunch from 1-2pm in the Wellbeing Room. There are various sets to choose from – will you follow instructions or simply freeform your way to master builder status? No bookings are required for either of these weekly sessions.

Need to slow the pace and chill with like minded others? On the 1st Tuesday of every month the Wellbeing Room hosts ‘Craft & Chat’ where you can wax lyrical about wool or let off some steam with a good old chunter as you crochet. You can book these sessions through our Wellbeing calendar here.

Things get on top of all of us from time to time and we are here to help you shed those nagging woes as the Wellbeing Room houses the RSL Worry Box. Pour in your concerns, big or small, throughout the course of term and we’ll get together for an extremely cathartic shredding event at year end.

Photograph of a Peacock made out of Lego. The colourful Lego feathers are on full display

Image features a desk top post box. Red in colour featuring the words 'Worry Box' above the letter slot. A female had is posing a piece of paper into the box

Can we interest you in one of our specials?

Keep a regular eye on the Wellbeing calendar as additional events are added throughout the year. Highlights this term include a warming winter treat where we’ll be dishing out free Hot Chocolate and a Mindfulness session with Susan Hargreaves (helping us with the tools to gather scattered thoughts and train our attention). Registration for these special events will open a few weeks prior to the date of the activity.

Stylised image of a blue and white mug in the snow. Steam is coming off the brown liquid and a caption reads 'Get a warm hug in a mug'

Suggestions

What’s missing? The current offering in the Wellbeing Room was developed through the feedback of library users and it will be you that helps us with the next steps. There is a whiteboard in the Wellbeing Room where you can jot down anything that occurs to you or use the rsl-wellbeing e-mail to share your thoughts on the facilities themselves or any ideas for potential new events.

Wider wellbeing

The commitment to supporting you and your wellbeing extends beyond the RSL, throughout the Bodleian libraries estate and across the wider University. Find details of what the Bodleian has to offer and explore the University of Oxford student Welfare & Wellbeing hub.

Focus Fix: Pomodoro Sessions for Science Researchers

Posted on 16 June 2025 by rachelscanlon

Photograph of woman staring at a laptop looking stressed biting down on a pecil so that it is out either side of her mouth.

Do you find it hard to focus on your thesis writing without interruptions? Procrastinating over finishing a conference poster? Never enough time to read that new paper? If you’re having issues like these a library pomodoro session might be just the thing for you!

What is a pomodoro session?

A pomodoro session is a study technique that aims to create protected, distraction free time for you to work. Many people find maintaining focus on a task for more than 25 – 30 minutes at a time challenging. In a pomodoro session, work is broken into 25-minute chunks, separated by 5-minute breaks. These 5-minute breaks allow your concentration to ‘reset’ meaning you can be more focused and productive across the session. Pomodoro sessions usually last between 2 – 3 hours.

Why is it called ‘Pomodoro’?

Photograph of a tomato shaped timer — Il pomodoro by Francesco Cirillo via Wikicommons CC BY-SA 3.0

The original creator of the pomodoro technique was Francesco Cirillo. He used a mechanical, tomato shaped kitchen timer. ‘Pomodoro’ is the Italian word for ‘tomato’.

Why do a pomodoro session at the library?

Photograph of several students in the RSL reading room. — Photograph by John Cairns.

All you need for a pomodoro session on your own is a quiet space and a timer. However, when doing pomodoro on your own, you can be more susceptible to distractions or not following the timings. In a library pomodoro, you will be working in a quiet group study area with other people. A librarian will run the session and manage the timing. Working around other people may help you stay motivated and focused. At the end of the library session, there is an opportunity for you to socialise with colleagues over free tea and coffee.

Top tips for getting the most out of pomodoro

Set a goal – decide what you want to achieve at the session before you come. Make a to-do list if you have several tasks.
Kill distractions – no phones, no e-mail or social media notifications and switch devices to ‘Do not disturb’ and silent mode.
Review – at the end of the pomodoro take a few minutes to review what you’ve achieved and update your to-do list.

You’ll find further tips on our guides: Getting the most out of a pomodoro and a Pomodoro etiquette.

Getting_the_most_out_of_a_pomodoro_session Download

Pomodoro_Etiquette_Guide Download

Where can I find more information about the Pomodoro technique?

YouTube Video from the Open University on the Pomodoro technique
Background information with further literature links from Derby University
Book ‘Pomodoro Technique Illustrated’ / Francesco Cirillo

Can I come to a pomodoro session at the library?

We are offering Pomodoro sessions in the first week of each month from July to December. You can book online using the link below. Booking opens 6 weeks before the date of each session. We offer a choice of 2 or 3-hour sessions.

Book a pomodoro study session space

Anatomy Jargon Dissected

Posted on 30 April 2025 by catherinedockerty

On 8^th April 2025, the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) and Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics together hosted a new event, “Anatomy Jargon Dissected”, which explored the linguistic and historical roots of anatomy.

The event featured three fascinating talks by experts in linguistics and anatomy:

Professor David Langslow took us on a linguistic journey of Greek and Latin words, suffixes and early misconceptions about the human body that influenced and evolved into the technical medical terminology used today.

Departmental Lecturer in Anatomy, Ms. Sharmila Rajendran, used a riddle-style game to demonstrate how anatomical terms were derived from the resemblance of familiar tools and objects that people use or see every day, and how early anatomists were influenced by them.

Professor Emeritus John Morris took us on a historical journey through errors and discoveries, from the earliest understanding of anatomy in Egypt to the 20^th century, highlighting the discovery of the pituitary gland and its function – a “stuttering progress in understanding human anatomy” as he calls it.

In the afternoon a fabulous exhibition of medical treasures, curated by Sarah Wheale and Alan Coates, was held at the Weston Library. Participants enjoyed viewing foremost titles mentioned during the morning talks, such as:

Thomas Willis’ Cerebri Anatome (1664)
Jacques Fabien Gautier d’Agoty’s Suite de l’Essai d’Anatomie en Tableaux Imprimés (1745)
William Cheselden’s Osteographia or the Anatomy of the Bones (1733)

And other iconic books of medical anatomy, such as:

Henry Gray’s Anatomy (1858 first edition)
Andreas Vesalius’ De Humani Corporis Fabrica (1543)
Johann Remmelin’s Catoptrum Microcosmicum (1639) containing drawings with lift-up flaps revealing successive layers of anatomy, which sparked amazement among the participants.

If you missed the event or wanted to attend but couldn’t, there’s good news. Due to its success, the event will be repeated. Stay tuned for next year’s announcement!

Exhibition attendees looking at medical texts from the Bodleian Libraries collection in the Weston Library. The texts are laid out on a table and some are supported by grey foam book rests. — The exhibition at the Weston Library

Exhibition attendees looking at medical texts from the Bodleian Libraries collection in the Weston Library. Four texts are laid out on a table; three are open and one is closed. One is supported by a grey foam book rest. There are two bays of shelving full of books in the background. — The exhibition at the Weston Library

Feedback from Attendees

“Interactive and speakers very engaging. Opportunity to interact with people across the University and from very different fields”
“I like the exhibition of the anatomy books from hundreds of years ago and the explanation of this exhibition”
“I quite liked how accessible the event was for non-medics…it was lovely to learn the anatomy-adjacent stuff”
“The talks and activities morning session, really enjoy all the quiz questions.”
“The content of the different talks was really interesting and I learnt lots of new information.”
I enjoyed everything – the morning talks, the interesting and engaging word activity, the stories, and the show-and-tell opportunity to see the rare books and the stories behind them.

The making of PERIODically Podcast

Posted on 27 March 2025 by rachelscanlon

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) hosted a special conversation on women’s health and menstrual issues in the workplace on Thursday 6 March 2025. The event took place in the month marking Endometriosis Awareness Month and international women’s day. It was attended by students and staff of the University who enjoyed networking during the lunch provided by the library.

The conversation began with two of the creators of the podcast PERIODically, Josie Sams and Felicity Smith. Josie and Felicity are 4th year chemistry students. They won the Horizon in Education Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for the podcast series. They shared insights into the making of PERIODically podcasts and explained the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstrual issues in the workplace and open discussions on topics such as endometriosis, PCOS, the menopause, miscarriage, and the motherhood penalty. Then, they directed a discussion with a guest panel of members of the university experienced on these issues: Dr Charlotte Hancox, Departmental Lecturer in Practical Chemistry, Dr. Amy Hinks, ED&I Data Analyst and Athena Swan Coordinator, and Pedro Melo, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. During the event, they responded to questions on improving individual support, raising awareness of menstruation issues, and expanding local initiatives in the wider university.

Photograph showing a room full of seated people from behind, looking to the front of the room where to young women stand.

The discussion continued beyond the event itself, focussing on long-term improvements for students and staff. It included the desire for all university libraries and departments to follow the example of the Radcliffe Science Library, which provides complimentary period products in all its bathrooms.

Feedback from participants

“It was a great environment to discuss periods in the academic workplace; the podcast hosts made a great presentation and it was nice hearing from diverse perspectives from the panel. The lunch was yummy too!”

“I liked the introduction by the two podcasters and the panel discussion. It was a good mix of guests who were able to speak both from the medical and the EDI perspective on the issue. I also liked that we had time to get to know other women attending the event. Thank you for organising it.”

“I enjoyed the talk, panel, and lunch! It was all wonderful information and work and amazing to meet everyone.”

For more information about Josie, Felicity and their PERIODIcally podcast project, read their story.

Photograph showing the backs of several rows of people looking at 5 people seated at the front of the room.

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

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.”

Wellbeing in the RSL

Posted on 7 May 2024 by rachelscanlon

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.

: Build and create

: Book a place on origami sessions

: Try our Lego Lunch

: Stroll on a Nature Walk

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!

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.

Join us for our weekly Lego Lunches!

Posted on 17 April 2024 by lhoward

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

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.

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

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.

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Category Archives: RSL events