Tag Archives: Bodleian Libraries

Bodleian Libraries for Post Docs

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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
Filter room facilities in the LibCal booking system
Individual study space viewed through the door from the corridor. inside is a height adjustable desk, a chair and you can see the power and connectivity points behind the desk
An individual Study Carrel at 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?

Graphic logo for the Search Oxford Libraries Online - SOLO - system
Screenshot of the search engine of the SOLO system
SOLO search example
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
Screenshot of the Browzine landing page

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
Items that we lend
Student smiling with her craft surrounded by crafting material
Student at a crafting event

Other Bodleian Libraries

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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.

Photograph of Group Study Room 1 showing a desk surrounded by 6 chairs with a screen on the wall.

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.

Photograph of a workspace in the Social Science Library with white desks and bright pink chairs.

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.

Students sitting at desks in the Vere Harmsworth Library. e Vere

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.

External photograph of the Weston Library by James Brittain.

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.