Holiday access. Your mobile library

Featured

Posted on 19 June 2026 by kharris

Library opening times

From Monday June 22nd, the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) will move to a vacation timetable for the summer. The library will remain open in line with these revised hours until the start of Michaelmas term.

Summer Lending

Books borrowed during this period have an extended loan and are not due back for the whole summer! They will not be due for renewal or return until the start of the Michaelmas term (exclusions may apply).

Readers whose time at Oxford will come to an end over the course of the summer will continue to be able to borrow books, the expiry date for such loans will be set in line with the validity of your Bodleian Libraries card.

Accessing Library Services from home (or the beach!)

Not being at the library no longer means not having any access to the library. Using your Oxford University Single Sign On (SSO) you will be able to access a huge variety of the library’s resources from home or wherever you should find yourself over the long summer months.

A girl in a sun hat is on the phone. Her hand is clasped over her face like she has just remembered something she forgot to do. She is kneeling on that sand with her lap top in her lap and a large suitcase to the left of her. The background is an expanse of sea meeting the sky — Forgot to download that journal? No problem

SOLO

Search for the books you need and apply filters to access those titles that are available online. As you will have seen in the RSL’s ‘New Resource’ promotions this year, we have been securing extensive new eBook collections, across our subjects, to support convenient access to the titles you need.

ORLO

Oxford Reading Lists Online (ORLO) brings together reading lists from all subjects and can be accessed and searched at anytime using your SSO.

Journals

You can access journals electronically through SOLO and Browzine. Browzine provides access to all electronic journals that the Oxford University subscribes to, from 2005 onwards. From Astronomy to Zoology we have you covered.

Databases

Database access is also available through SOLO. You can filter your resources to Databases in your search or use the Database A-Z function on the home page. Overall there are almost 2000 accessible Databases.

Subject & Research guides

The A-Z Subject guides provide a summary of the tools to support your work in each area including details of key journals and Databases.

Guidance for researchers provides insights on services, materials and tools for researchers in all disciplines.

Screen shot from the SOLO system showing a search for accessible online material on Summer Holidays — Available wherever the Green online access sign shows

A Screenshot showing the landing page of the Browzine system. Subject titles appear on the left to refine sources, the middle of the screen is an image created using the covers of several different journals — Available wherever the Green online access sign shows

Help & Assistance

Reader Services remain available to support you either in person or virtually throughout the holiday season when the library is open. The desks will be staffed as usual and, whether you are physically in the library or now working remotely, you can address any queries via e-mail enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk or use the Live Chat function between 9am – 5pm on weekdays. You can access Live Chat via SOLO or on the RSL homepage

Our specialist Subject Librarians will continue to be be available to support those readers who remain in Oxford over the summer, annual leave excepted.

Whether your research will continue uninterrupted, you’re enjoying the vacation away from college or your time at Oxford is coming to an end, we hope that you and your families enjoy a wonderful summer and thank you for choosing the RSL in 25/26. We’ll look forward to continuing to welcome readers in person throughout the summer months and supporting those whose work goes on remotely.

Screen shot showing the Bodleian Live Chat system on the SOLO homepage — Live chat from 9am-5pm weekdays

The top half of a woman's face is hidden behind sunglasses. Blurred in the foreground are her knees and the laptop she has propped up . The background shows palm trees and a structure that illustrate a beach setting — Live chat from 9am-5pm weekdays

Let your art leave your mark

Posted on 29 April 2026 by kharris

Unleash your creative side

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) Wellbeing Programme has long been a champion of encouraging our readers to show us their creative side. From our Lego Lunches, through monthly Craft & Chat to the one off events like the recent Painting for beginners class or Jewellery making, we have seen our readers produce really great work on a regular basis.

Now we would like to take this to the next level and make some of your pieces part of the fabric of the RSL by inviting you to submit work to be displayed in the Wellbeing Room and possibly other locations around the library. Let your art leave your mark on the RSL, creating something that might still be around the library long after you yourself have moved on.

The corner sofa in the Wellbeing room is surrounded by plain white walls. The amended image contains the words 'Your art here - or maybe here? - or here?' positioned in various blank spaces to illustrate where student work could appear — Your blank canvases

A poster from our recent Wellbeing Week event series. Some of these images show the other side of the Wellbeing Room where various prints already hang — Your blank canvases

What can I submit?

We would like you to submit a photograph or digital art work on the theme of reflect and recharge, but the photograph could be a reproduction of a painting or sketch, or a photo of a scuplture, crochet piece, etc. We may be able to help create the photographic reproduction depending on the project. There are no constraints in terms of the type of pieces from painting to printing, photography to collage – as long as we are able to receive a copy of sufficient resolution (300 ppi) to make the high quality prints on boards. Use whatever medium you want to express yourself and create something beautiful and lasting.

Is there a particular theme?

The principal location of the selected piece (s) will be in the RSL Wellbeing Room so themes need to be reflective of a calming environment to support readers taking time away from their work to relax and recharge.

Does it have to be a new piece?

Absolutely not, if you have already created something that you think would be a great fit then send us some images – we’d be delighted to receive them.

Any do’s & don’ts?

Just basic awareness that the successful piece(s) will be displayed in public spaces and that would need to be borne in mind in terms of subject matter. You would also need to ensure there is no infringement on any existing copyrighted material. Any pieces created solely using AI would not be considered.

How will my work be displayed?

To some extent this will be governed by the submissions that we receive. If we receive a number of suitable pieces than we will look at our options and may create a showcase display piece that brings a number of readers works together highlighting the varied talent.

Final Decision

The libraries decision is final and any and all works selected will be chosen for how well they suit the Wellbeing Room, the Bodleian Libraries and the themes of reflect and recharge.

How do I submit my work?

It couldn’t be easier, just complete the submission form and attach the images for consideration. The form includes information on a Creative Commons licence, which you will need to agree to, this will entitle us to reproduce and display your work. Your work will always be fully credited to you and labelled as such on any display in the RSL.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 19th June 2026.

If you have any questions please contact rachel.scanlon@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Photograph of hand made woollen toys on a shelf. There is a turtle and a bee - both have been knitted or crocheted

A photograph of a cuddly dragon toy who appears to be attempting to scale a bean bag

Talk About Your Thesis 2026

Posted on 15 April 2026 by kharris

On 20 March 2026, the Radcliffe Science Library hosted Talk About Your Thesis, a new event developed in response to graduate student feedback. The aim was to give graduate students the opportunity to practise presenting their research in a friendly environment, while also meeting fellow students from across departments.

The session brought together just under 30 students from across MPLS, MSD and beyond for seven short talks followed by an informal lunch. With speakers presenting on a wide range of topics, attendees had the chance to hear about research far beyond their own specialism, while speakers gained valuable experience of presenting to a broader audience.

The RSL thanks Rueben College for use of their Lecture theatre to support the event.

The speakers sit in the front row of the lecture theatre waiting for the event to get underway — Talk about your Thesis 2026 is about to begin

Why we ran the event

Postgraduate students need to present their research at different stages of their careers, from conferences to transfer workshops to public engagement, but many have said there are limited opportunities to practise outside their own research groups or departments. Students also expressed interest in connecting with other graduate researchers across the University.

Talk About Your Thesis was created to support both of these aims: building confidence in presenting and creating opportunities for conversation and connection.

A broad and engaging programme

One of the strengths of the event was the variety of subjects represented. Rather than focusing on a single theme, speakers were invited to talk about their DPhil research in a style suitable for a general audience. This created a programme that was varied, accessible and engaging.

The talks covered topics including social media and social anxiety, ocean mixing caused by icebergs, battery design, atomic structure modelling, HIV-1 molecular epidemiology, irradiation damage in fusion reactors and smartwatch training. The diversity of topics helped make the event lively and gave everyone the chance to learn something new and the speakers did an excellent job making the topics understandable.

Nora stands at the lectern besides a large screen where a cartoon man is depicted weighed down by a globe full of social media commentary — Nora presents on Social Media & Social Anxiety

The opening slide of Oscar's presentation displayed on the big screen. It shows a graphic of ice breaking off into the sea and the caption reads "Modelling ocean mixing by capsizing icebergs in Greenlandic fjords" — Nora presents on Social Media & Social Anxiety

A welcoming atmosphere

Feedback from both speakers and attendees was very positive. Students appreciated the chance to practise their speaking skills in a supportive setting and valued the opportunity to meet researchers from outside their own departments.

“It is a great opportunity to practice presenting skills in a friendly environment”

“It’s a great event to practice speaking in an informal manner”

“This crowd was so friendly and engaged it was a really positive environment to practice in”

That welcoming atmosphere came through strongly in the feedback.

“Everyone was really friendly! It was great and I hope the library considers doing it again :)”

“Doing a DPhil can be very isolating, this is a great opportunity to meet other DPhil students”

One attendee reflected on both aspects of the event:

“I most enjoyed meeting people over lunch, but the whole event was great! The broad range of subject areas was good for learning about topics outside my specialism and for meeting interesting people who I might not otherwise have met. Everyone was very friendly, especially the library staff”

Looking ahead

The event was very well received, and feedback showed that there is interest in a similar event in the future. We are looking into possibilities of running a comparable event next year, which would incorporate feedback such as including a short Q&A after the talks.

Overall, Talk About Your Thesis offered exactly what many graduate students had been asking for: a chance to share research, practise speaking and connect with others in a welcoming environment.

Speakers and guests enjoy their pizza lunch. 9 Post grads eat at a round table in the RSL Social Study area — Discussing presentations over lunch

Table full of pizza. A sign marks the food as being suitable for vegetarians — Discussing presentations over lunch

The full list of speakers from Talk About Your Thesis 2026

Nora Skjerdingstad (Experimental Psychology) – Social media and social anxiety: Reconceptualising cognitive and behavioural processes

Oscar Tovey Garcia (Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics) – Ocean mixing by capsizing icebergs may enhance glacier melt rates

Neave Taylor (Chemistry) – Designing better batteries through watching interphases grow

Yuxuan presenting at the Talk About Your Thesis event

Zhang Yuxuan (Materials Science) – Simplified model to resolve three-dimensional atomic structure from 4D-STEM data

Ayisha Khalid (Nuffield Department of Population Health)- Global molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 during 1990-2024

Benoit presents from the lectern and draws our attention to something on the screen

Benoit Jaudun (Physics) – Understanding Irradiation damage in superconducting magnet for fusion reactors

Firas Darwish (Statistics) – How to Train a Smartwatch Without Living 10,000 Lives

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**

Make an appointment with your subject/outreach librarian

Posted on 20 May 2024 by lhoward

Do you have any questions about your studies? Are you keen to make the most of your research? Do you want to know more about referencing? Are you not sure where to find key information for your essays or research? Perhaps you need help with a specific database?

If you have any questions, you can book an appointment with your specialist subject or outreach librarian. They can talk with you in person, over Teams, over the phone or by email – whichever method you prefer and are most comfortable with.

Students in the Radcliffe Science Library, University of Oxford

Photo (c) John Cairns

As well as helping with your literature search and constructing search queries, subject and outreach librarians can…

Provide group or one-to-one information skills training
Discuss Open Access issues with you and help you find the relevant information for you
Show you how to access and manage research data
Source and purchase book and resource recommendations – we are particularly interested in purchasing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion titles to improve our collections
Advise and train you on reference management software and how to use different styles
Show you how to navigate subject-specific databases
And so much more…

Meet the Subject Librarians at the RSL

Karine Barker
01865 272802
karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Lead Librarian – Non-Clinical Medicine and Life Sciences, supporting:

Non-Clinical Medicine
Biochemistry
Biology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Anatomy and Genetics
Psychology
Zoology

Ollie Bridle
01865 272856
oliver.bridle@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Subject Librarian – Life Sciences and Non-clinical Medicine, supporting:

Biochemistry
Biology
Forestry
Pharmacology
Plant Sciences
Zoology

Rachel Scanlon
01865 272824
rachel.scanlon@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Subject Librarian – Physical and Applied Sciences, supporting:

Computer Science
Earth Science
Materials Science
Statistics

Thomas Corrick
01865 272824
thomas.corrick@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Part -Time Subject Librarian – Physical and Applied Sciences, supporting:

Computer Science
Earth Science
Materials Science
Statistics

Alessandra Vetrugno
01865 272817

alessandra.vetrugno
@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Lead Librarian – Physical and Applied Sciences, supporting:

Chemistry
Computer Sciences
Earth Sciences
Engineering
Materials Science
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics

Meet the Bodleian Health Care Libraries Librarians

Karine Barker
01865 272802
karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

Department of Biochemistry
Sir William Dunn School of Pathology
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics
Department of Experimental Psychology

Suzannah Bridge
01865 289383
suzannah.bridge@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

NHS staff based at the Churchill (e.g. OCDEM, Renal/Urology, Dermatology, Palliative Medicine including Sobell House)
NHS staff in Cancer Services

Eli Harriss
01865 221950
eli.harriss@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

Nuffield Department of Medicine units
Department of Psychiatry

Matthew Henry
01865 740471
matthew.henry@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

MSD and NHS staff and students in Acute General Medicine
Allied Health Therapies
Paediatrics (including the Oxford Vaccine Group)
Pharmacy
Gastroenterology
BRC

Dr Hannah McGivern
01865 740470
hannah.mcgivern@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

MSD and NHS staff and students in Anaesthetics and Theatres
Cardiac Services
Critical Care
Intensive Care
Surgery
Trauma.

Nia Roberts
01865 289409
nia.roberts@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

Primary Care
Public Health
Department of Oncology

Carolyn Smith
01295 229316
carolyn.smith@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

MSD and NHS staff and students based at the Horton Hospital
Women’s Services
Emergency Department
Infection Control
Radiology
Health Management
Laboratory Medicine
Clinical Sciences

Kat Steiner
01865 738145
kat.steiner@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

MSD and NHS staff and students in NDORMS
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre

Neal Thurley
01865 222920
neal.thurley@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Supporting:

MSD and NHS staff and students in Anaesthetics
ENT
Neurosciences
Ophthalmology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Plastics

If you are not sure who to contact, or have more general questions about Health Care, you can always contact hcl-enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

NB
Churchill Allied Health Professionals – please contact Matthew Henry
Cancer Hospital staff -:please contact Suzannah Bridge.

If your subject/outreach librarian isn’t listed here, check the list of subject/outreach librarians on the Bodleian Libraries website.

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

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 →

Book an appointment with the BHCL subject/outreach librarians

Posted on 5 April 2023 by rachelscanlon

Subject and Outreach Librarians support all aspects of learning, research, and clinical care. We recently shared the details of the Radcliffe Science Library Subject Librarians now meet the libraians of the Bodleian Health Care Libraries. The librarians are happy to come to you in your lab, office, ward or classroom as well as supporting you via Teams etc, and in our libraries.

Along with helping with your literature search and constructing search queries they can…

Provide group or 1 to 1 information skills training
Can advise and and train you on reference management software and how to use different styles.
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
And so much more…

Continue reading →

Book an appointment with your subject/outreach librarian

Posted on 31 March 2023 by rachelscanlon

Your subject librarian can help with you many different tasks. You can meet them in person or via Teams or just send an email. They’ll work with whatever style of communication that suits you.

Along with helping with your literature search and constructing search queries they can…

Offer support and guidance on finding subject-specific resources.
Can advise and and train you on reference management software and how to use different styles.
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.
Help with issues accessing resources.
And so much more…

Meet the subject Librarians at the RSL

Karine Barker

karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Lead Librarian – Non-Clinical Medicine & Life Sciences supporting:

Non-Clinical Medicine
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Anatomy and Genetics
Psychology

Oliver Bridle

oliver.bridle@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Subject Librarian – Non-Clinical Medicine and Life Sciences supporting:

Biochemistry
Biology
Forestry
Pharmacology
Plant Sciences
Zoology

Rachel Scanlon

rachel.scanlon@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Subject Librarian – Physical and Applied Sciences supporting:

Computer Science
Earth Science
Materials Science
Statistics

Alessandra Vetrugno

alessandra.vetrugno@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Lead Librarian – Physical and Applied Sciences supporting:

Chemistry
Engineering
Mathematics
Physics

If your subject/outreach librarian isn’t listed here check the list of subject/outreach librarians on the Bodleian Libraries website.

So whether you are starting a research project, completing an assignment or just want to get the latest information on useful tools book an appointment with your subject librarian.