Category Archives: Announcements

Scaffolding installation in the RAI Foyer (2nd April & 7th April 2026) UPDATE: 9.4.26 Removal completed

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UPDATE: The scaffolding has been successfully removed from the RAI Foyer. Access into the building through all three entrances (including the automated door) are available. [9.4.2026]

UPDATE: The scaffolding will be removed from the RAI Foyer on the morning of Thursday 9th April. As before, access into the building will be maintained, but the automated door will be out of use. Readers should expect some noise disturbance from the foyer during this time. [8.4.2026]

UPDATE: the scaffolding has been installed in the RAI Foyer, but the essential works have not yet been completed. The scaffolding remains in place, but access into the building is maintained, and the automated door can be used. We will continue to provide updates for when the scaffolding will be removed. [7.4.2026]

Essential works in the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) Foyer, will require the installation of scaffolding in the Foyer on the 2nd April, and removal of the scaffolding on the 7th April.

Entry into the RAI building and the Library will be maintained, but the automated door (on the far right as you approach the building entrance) will be unavailable. The revolving door and manual door on the far left will remain available. Signage will be provided outside for building users who are unable to access the building.

Access to the RAI basement level will be restricted.

The Library will remain open as per our currently advertised opening hours (9am-7pm). However, Readers should expect noise disruption whilst the scaffolding works are taking place. It is recommended that Readers sit on the western side of the Library (the side where the Group Study Rooms are located, closest to Rhodes House) and avoid the Mezzanine level. Readers may also request soft earbuds from the Library Enquiry Desk.

Please note that the library will also be closed, as previously advertised, on Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April for the Easter Bank Holidays.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works. If you have any questions about the works, or using the library during this time, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Trial: LGBTQ+ Life in America [ended 28th February 2026]

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[UPDATE: This trial has now ended (2/3/2026]

I am pleased to report that the Vere Harmsworth Library has organised trial access to the Newsbank/Readex database LGBTQ+ Life in America. This trial will run from the 28th January until the 28th February 2026.

Researchers may also be interested in our trial access to Sex and Sexuality. Check our blogpost for more information.

About LGBTQ+ Life in America

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Sourced from more than 16,000 American and global news publications, this resource provides insights into the reporting and voices of LGBTQ+ communities. Coverage begins from the earliest representations in American and global news up to the modern day. This includes historic coverage which may be difficult to identify due to the use of veiled language or media biases. Coverage starts from the 19th Century up to the present period.

Sources are full-text searchable and can be categorised by era, or researchers can use the Suggested Searches to find popular topics. These list some of the key events/themes/figures from each time period, providing a helpful overview for users who may not be familiar with the wider historical context.

Oxford University members can access the resource via this link. Note that you will need your Oxford SSO to access.

Please send any feedback about this database to bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Winter Vacation opening hours and loans

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Please be aware of the following updates as we move into the Winter Vacation.

Opening Hours

From Monday 8th December 2025 to Sunday 11th January 2026, the Vere Harmsworth Library and the RAI Building will have the following opening hours:

Monday – Friday            9am – 7pm

Saturday – Sunday        CLOSED

The Library will close for Christmas at 5pm on Tuesday 23rd December, and reopen at 9am on Monday 5th January.

Please check the VHL website for updates and upcoming closure periods.

Vacation Loans

Vacation loans are now in place across the Bodleian Libraries. Books checked out will not need to be returned until Tuesday 20th January. You may return your book before that time if you wish.

Please note that vacation loans do not apply to self collect books, which will still need to be renewed every seven days. Furthermore, vacation loans only apply to some of the loanable books from offsite storage; others will be automatically renewed after their normal lending period (in most cases, seven days) unless requested by another reader. If in any doubt, please check your MySOLO account, and if you are still unsure then please contact vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk or whichever library you picked the book up from.

We hope you have a lovely break and enjoy the holiday season!

If you have any further questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library or borrowing items, please ask at the Information Desk, or email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Long Vacation opening hours and loans

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Please be aware of the following updates as we move into the Long Vacation.

Opening Hours

From Monday 23rd June 2025, the Vere Harmsworth Library and the RAI Building will have the following opening hours:

Monday – Friday            9am – 5pm

Saturday – Sunday        CLOSED

Term-time opening hours will resume on Monday 6th October 2025.

Please check the VHL website for updates and upcoming closure periods.

Vacation Loans

Vacation loans are now in place across the Bodleian Libraries. Books checked out will not need to be returned until Tuesday 14th October. You may return your book before that time if you wish.

Please note that this does not apply to self-collect books, which will need to renewed every seven days as normal.

Leaving Oxford

If your time in Oxford is coming to an end this summer, please do remember to return any books on loan to you before you leave.

More information about things to remember and resources available to you if you are finishing your degree can be found on the Bodleian website.

We wish you all a wonderful summer!

Important Update: Library Closed 19th May 2025 (Update: Library re-opened 20th May)

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[UPDATE: 20TH MAY 2025: The VHL has re-opened at 9am today (20th May) and will remain open for it’s previously advertised term time hours. There remains some barricades and signage outside, but access to the library is available via the main building foyer. Many thanks to our readers for their patience. – Bethan Davies, Vere Harmsworth Librarian]

The Vere Harmsworth Library and RAI Building will be closed today (19th May 2025). We will aim to reopen tomorrow, pending assessment.

Due to access issues in the RAI Building foyer, the RAI Building will be closed until proper barricades and signage are in place. We aim for this to be done for tomorrow (20th May), pending proper risk assessments have been completed and safe access can be assured. Reduced opening hours may be in place.

In the meantime, readers are requested to use alternative library space for today.

If readers need urgent access to lending library books, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk in the first instance.

All books on Hold or on the Self-Collect due for today have been renewed for tomorrow.

Scan requests can be placed as standard via Bodleian Scan and Deliver Services.

We apologies for any inconvenience.

Easter vacation opening hours and loans

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Please be aware of the following updates as we move into the Easter Vacation.

Opening Hours

From Monday 17th March 2025, the Vere Harmsworth Library and the RAI Building will have the following opening hours:

Monday – Friday            9am – 7pm

Saturday – Sunday        CLOSED

The Library will be closed on the bank holidays Friday 18th April and Monday 21st April. Normal term-time opening hours will resume on Tuesday 22nd April 2025.

Please check the VHL website for updates and upcoming closure periods.

Vacation Loans

Vacation loans are now in place across the Bodleian Libraries. Books checked out will not need to be returned until Tuesday 29th April. You may return your book before that time if you wish.

Please note that this does not apply to self-collect books, which will need to renewed every seven days as normal.

We wish you all an enjoyable break!

Library interior

Winter Vacation opening hours and loans

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Please be aware of the following updates as we move into the Winter Vacation.

Opening Hours

From 9th December 2024, the Vere Harmsworth Library and the RAI Building will have the following opening hours:

Monday – Friday            9am – 7pm

Saturday – Sunday        CLOSED

The Library will close for Christmas at 5pm on Friday 20th December, and reopen at 9am on Thursday 2nd January.

Please check the VHL website for updates and upcoming closure periods.

Vacation Loans

Vacation loans are now in place across the Bodleian Libraries. Books checked out will not need to be returned until Tuesday 21st January. You may return your book before that time if you wish.

Please note that this does not apply to self-collect books, which will need to renewed every seven days as normal.

We hope you have a lovely break and enjoy the holiday season!

The entrance to the VHL. A bookshelf is decorated with snowmen and trees and a screen displays vacation opening hours (see blog post).

If you have any further questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library or borrowing items, please ask at the Information Desk, or email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Update: Early closure of library on 5th December 2024

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The VHL will be closing at 6pm on the Thursday of 8th Week (5th December, 2024). This means we will be closing one hour earlier than our usual Term hours.

This is because of a private event which will be held in the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) building.

Group Study Rooms will only be bookable on the online system up to 6pm.

Normal Term time opening hours will be in place for the rest of Week 8. We will then move into our Vacation opening hours on Monday 9th December (Week 9). Please check our website for further information on opening hours.

If you have any questions about using the library, please contact bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

New! Computer System Installed for Digital Microfilm Reader

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The digital microfilm reader at the Vere Harmsworth now has a new computer system in place and is once again available for the use of readers.

The new computer system provides improved usability and is connected to the internet, so you will now be able to save microform images to the cloud or send them via email.

To assist you in using the new set-up we have created guides on how to set up the digital microfilm reader and how to use the software. Library staff will also be happy to help if you have any questions or would like additional guidance.

To use the microfilm reader with the new computer, a Bodleian log-in is required, as with our regular PCs. Please see the Bodleian website or speak to a member of library staff if you do not know your username or password.

Thank you for your patience while the new computer was installed. We hope you will enjoy using the new microfilm reader software.The new computer, displaying a log-in screen, next to the digital microfilm reader.

 To find out more about using the Vere Harmsworth Library collections please contact the Vere Harmsworth Library (vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).

Update: Microfilm Reader Service

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The Vere Harmsworth digital Microfilm Reader will be unavailable for this week (week beginning 26th August, 2024) whilst we move the Reader to a new computer system.

Moving to a new computer system will improve usability of the reader, and allow for more regular security and software updates.

Changing over to a new computer will require set up and re-installation of the new software. We advise readers to allow for some time for library staff to become familiar with the new system.

Readers may like to consider using the digital microfilm reader in the Old Bodleian if they wish to consult microfilm/fiche/card material from offsite storage.

If readers wish to consult microfilm/fiche material from the Vere Harmsworth Collections, please contact the Subject Librarian (bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk) in the first instance.

Many thanks for your patience whilst we work to improve our services.

 To find out more about using the Vere Harmsworth Library collections please contact the Vere Harmsworth Library (vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk).