Category Archives: Guides

America 250: Finding resources on the American Revolutionary War (Part 3: British and French perspectives)

Posted on by

2026 marks the Semiquincentennial or 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You may have seen an increase in discussions about the American Revolutionary War and its impact (on a national and global level). You may be planning to attend one of the many events which are being held to commemorate America250, such as the RAI America 250 events.  

Over this week, we will be releasing brief blogposts aimed at helping researchers find primary sources on the American Revolutionary War, in a variety of different formats, geographic focus and subject areas. It is intended to help those interested in the War, who may already have some general knowledge on the subject, to dig deeper into the different primary sources available and start their own research journey.

This guide is primarily aimed at Oxford students and researchers, and some resources will require subscription access via SSO or access to the print collections across the Bodleian Libraries, but Open Access resources are also included. This is not meant to be a complete guide nor will it be updated with new resources going forward.

This is Part 3: British and French perspectives and the information has been kindly provided by Isabel Holowaty, History Librarian (Research), who provides subject support for British and Western European History.

The American Revolution through British eyes

The American Revolution was profoundly significant in shaping Britain’s modern history. After the initial shock – the loss of its largest mainland colonies and suffering a humiliating military defeat – the events across the Atlantic ultimately led to a redefining of the limits, priorities, and meaning of British power. Within the British political establishment and public sphere, the Revolution intensified debates about representation and executive power, with the British government and British political discourse primarily framing the conflict as an internal constitutional crisis and rebellion.

Sources for the study of the American Revolution through British eyes include parliamentary and government sources, diplomatic papers and correspondence, writings and speeches of individuals, and the public press.

John Eardley Wilmot (1812) by Benjamin West; in the background is West’s “lost” allegorical “Reception of the American Loyalists by Great Britain in the Year 1783.” Wilmott was appointed as a Royal Commissioner to investigate American Loyalist compensation claims made after the war. For more context, see: Jasanoff, Maya. “The Other Side of Revolution: Loyalists in the British Empire.” The William and Mary Quarterly 65, no. 2 (2008): 205–32

GOVERNMENTAL AND DIPLOMATIC SOURCES

THE PUBLIC PRESS

Newspapers are an excellent source to reveal how the American Revolution was understood, debated, and experienced at the time, not just how it unfolded politically or militarily. They provide direct access to contemporary opinion and public debate as published in the press. The press also helps historians trace the circulation of ideas across the Atlantic world. For instance, newspapers frequently reprinted speeches, pamphlets, letters, and reports from Britain, the colonies, and Europe. As such, newspapers are a useful foil to the debates in the political establishment.

Check out our guide to newspaper resources which cover historical national and regional newspapers for Britain & Ireland and France.

Major newspapers

  • The London Gazette: the first official journal of record and the newspaper of the Crown, which presented an official framing of the war and proclamations.
  • The Public Advertiser: one of the most widely read London newspapers which published parliamentary news, war reports, and political letters, including radical critiques.
  • The London Chronicle: a popular, accessible paper with extensive coverage of military events and colonial affairs; Important for gauging middle-class opinion and war weariness.
  • The Morning Chronicle: Often critical of ministerial handling of the war in 1780s and 1790s. From 1789 increasingly sympathetic to opposition Whig views.
  • The Gentleman’s Magazine: Highly influential and circulated monthly periodical which reprinted speeches, pamphlet extracts, letters, and news from America. Useful for understanding how American events were digested by a broad reading public.

Some personal views:

USEFUL READINGS

Kamensky, Jane, and Edward G Gray. The Oxford Handbook of the American Revolution. 1st ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2013.

Conway, Stephen. “From Fellow-Nationals to Foreigners: British Perceptions of the Americans, circa 1739-1783.” The William and Mary Quarterly 59.1 (2002): 65–100.

To find more readings, use the following subject search in SOLO:

“United States — History — Revolution, 1775-1783 — Foreign public opinion, British”

The American Revolution through French eyes

In contrast to Britain, France framed the American Revolution largely as an international struggle and an opportunity to restore strategic balance within Europe, esp. after the Seven Years’ War. The initial diplomatic approach was outwardly neutral combined with some covert encouragement. During the Revolution, France adopted a more overtly critical stance towards Britain and supportive of the American cause, not least for ideological sympathies. Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes and French foreign minister 1774-1787, was the central figure in shaping French diplomatic policy.

Franklin’s reception at the court of France, 1778. Respectfully dedicated to the people of the United States (186-). Lithograph created by German-American lithographer Anton Hohenstein. Original held in the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

French sources

GOVERNMENTAL AND DIPLOMATIC SOURCES

THE PUBLIC PRESS

Check out our guide to newspaper resources which cover historical national and regional newspapers for France.

Newspapers and Gazettes

  • Gazette de France: official newspaper of the monarchy which carefully framed American events.
  • Mercure de France: one of the most important literary-political journals which published essays, poems, and commentary celebrating American liberty and figures like Franklin.

Journals and Reviews

  • Affiches, annonces et avis divers (via Gallica): regional papers that largely spread enthusiasm for the American cause beyond Paris. The availability of issues for this period is very mixed so you may need to search Gallica in more detail.
  • Journal de Paris: the first daily newspaper in France which covered American events in an accessible, non-specialist tone.

Some personal views:

USEFUL READINGS

Corwin, Edward S. French Policy and the American Alliance of 1778. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1916.

To find more readings, use the following subject search in SOLO:

“United States History Revolution, 1775-1783 Foreign public opinion, French“

For more guidance on finding resources related to American History, contact bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

For more guidance on finding resources related to British and Western European History, check the online Bodleian guide or contact isabel.holowaty@bodleian.ox.ac.uk or rachel.darcy-brown@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

America 250: Finding resources on the American Revolutionary War (Part 2: archival sources, maps and state histories)

Posted on by

2026 marks the Semiquincentennial or 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You may have seen an increase in discussions about the American Revolutionary War and its impact (on a national and global level). You may be planning to attend one of the many events which are being held to commemorate America250, such as the RAI America 250 events.  

Over this week, we will be releasing brief blogposts aimed at helping researchers find primary sources on the American Revolutionary War, in a variety of different formats, geographic focus and subject areas. It is intended to help those interested in the War, who may already have some general knowledge on the subject, to dig deeper into the different primary sources available and start their own research journey.

This guide is primarily aimed at Oxford students and researchers, and some resources will require subscription access via SSO, but Open Access resources are also included. This is not meant to be a complete guide nor will it be updated with new resources going forward.

This is Part 2: archival documents, maps and state histories.

Painting of the original thirteen colonies.
Map of the first thirteen colonies and the years when they first entered the Union. Beside the motto “Join or Die” is a snake segmented into thirteen parts, each labelled with the abbreviation of a state, copied from a colonial block print, originally published by Benjamin Franklin. Painted in 1994 by Allyn Cox. Architect of the Capital

US archival documents– printed and manuscript

This collection is part of the archives of the United Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) or Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) related to the activities of the North American branch. The collection includes correspondence and journals from missionaries documenting life during the American Revolution (the B and C series letter books) as well as sermons and responses from the Society. Note: the Weston Library holds the physical collections of the USPG.

The full text of thousands of American periodicals published between 1684 and 1912, digitised from the collections of the American Antiquarian Society. Search full-text, browse by publication date or search by Subject Terms (“American Revolutionary War, 1775-1783”).

This online site contains a range of transcribed primary sources. Although mostly aimed at younger ages, the sources provide a useful glimpse into American military history. Sources can be filtered to the American Revolutionary War.

Digitised images of the pages of American magazines and journals published from colonial days to the dawn of the 20th century. It includes 89 journals published between 1740 and 1800 which offer insights into America’s transition from colonial times to independence. It includes one of the first mass printings of the Declaration of Independence, a letter by George Washington on the crucial Battle of Trenton, and the writings and publications of Benjamin Franklin.

Collection of early printed American imprints (1639-1800). Over 37,000+ imprints embrace every aspect of life in 17th and 18th century America. Includes printed books, pamphlets and broadsides, alongside advertisements, chapbooks, diaries, gazetteers, hymnals, wills and more. Covers the Revolutionary War period – limit your search by date or use terms such as “American Revolutionary War” or “Continental Army.

Maps

Maps provide a useful visual tool to understand the military positions of both sides during the American Revolutionary War, as well as the British, French and American understanding of the country. They were also tools used by both sides to plan their next moves.

The Animated Map Collection helps to bring the story of America’s past to life, while illustrating the important role that these conflicts and battlefields played. Although aimed at younger audiences, this provides useful information about the American Revolutionary War’s battles.

Digitised maps from the collections of the Library of Congress. Includes general mapping of the geography and terrain, as well as military movements and encampments. Maps are sourced from seven different countries, including the United States, Britain and France.

A digital portal that collates digitized maps of North America made between 1750 and 1800 into a single place, sourced from 20 different libraries and archives. Maps can be searched by specific areas, time periods, colonial powers or native tribes, or by map features (such as images of animals).

Histories of the American Revolutionary War by state

Each American state has their own archive and library, which will include digitised collections related to their histories. The National Archives has a webpage which lists all digital state and territorial collections. You might also want to check University collections based in your state of interest.

The below are resources from the original 13 colonies specifically on the American Revolutionary War, or created to mark the Semiquincentennial.

Connecticut

Delaware

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Next time…. finding British and French sources!

For more guidance on finding resources related to American History, contact bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

America 250: Finding resources on the American Revolutionary War (Part 1)

Posted on by

2026 marks the Semiquincentennial or 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You may have seen an increase in discussions about the American Revolutionary War and its impact (on a national and global level). You may be planning to attend one of the many events which are being held to commemorate America250, such as the RAI America 250 events.  

Over this week, we will be releasing brief blogposts aimed at helping researchers find primary sources on the American Revolutionary War, in a variety of different formats, geographic focus and subject areas. It is intended to help those interested in the War, who may already have some general knowledge on the subject, to dig deeper into the different primary sources available and start their own research journey.

This guide is primarily aimed at Oxford students and researchers, and some resources will require subscription access via SSO, but Open Access resources are also included. This is not meant to be a complete guide nor will it be updated with new resources going forward.

This is Part 1: Useful Starting Points, Founding Documents and Founding Fathers.

Some good starting points

This is our Bodleian online guide to everything related to US History, Politics and Culture at Oxford, with new subscriptions and resources regularly updated. This specific page relates to the Colonial and Revolutionary era, and includes a range of different primary sources.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and includes a range of resources on US and global history. They also produce useful research guides, like the one linked above, which summarise their collections (both digitised and physical), and recommended external resources.

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Here you can find a snapshot of the material history of the American Revolutionary War, including portraits, pamphlets and objects.

Part of Society of Cincinnati Historical Society, the collection includes contemporary books, prints, maps and manuscripts from the period. This link is for the digitised collections, but the main website also includes online exhibitions and further information.

Based in Philadelphia, the online pages of the museum includes a catalogue of the key items, online exhibitions, interactive features and wider bibliographies. 

Decorative
Charters of Freedom Hall, National Archives, Washington, D.C. Part of the Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

Founding Documents and Official Papers

Hosted by the US National Archives, this webpage includes digitisations, transcripts and historic background of three key documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the US Bill of Rights.

Hosted by the Library of Congress, this collection includes 277 documents relating to the work of Congress and the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. Items include extracts of the journals of Congress, resolutions, proclamations, committee reports, treaties, and early printed versions of the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

This landmark work in historical and legal scholarship draws upon thousands of sources to trace the Constitution’s progress through each of the thirteen states’ conventions.

Founding Fathers

Detailed Guide from the Library of Congress for each American Founder, including further links and bibliographies. The Library of Congress holds and has digitised the papers of several key political figures and presidents, such as Washington, Hamilton, Franklin and Jefferson

Based on the records of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). Includes correspondence and other papers of seven key figures from the American Revolutionary era.

Overview provided by the Smithsonian of each signer of the Declaration of Independence, with portraits and further bibliographic information.

Artwork
Declaration of Independence (1819), by John Turnbull.

Next time…. archival sources, maps and state histories!

For more guidance on finding resources related to American History, contact bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

What to expect when using the VHL Click & Collect service in Michaelmas Term 2020

Posted on by

If you are planning on using the VHL Click & Collect service to access reading material, read this blogpost for further information, and advice on how to plan for your visit.

Selecting your book

To start requesting titles, you will first need to request a title via SOLO. Log in to your SOLO account, using your Single Sign-On information. Your name will appear at the top of the page.

Titles which you can select via Click & Collect will have a green Request button next to the Location Items information. You will need to visit the individual owning library in order to collect/borrow the item.

Please note that if the title is located as the BSF or the Vere Harmsworth Library Stack, then the item will be a non-loanable stack request, and you will need to consult the item in the library, via a booked reading room slot.

An example of Click & Collect – press the green Request button.

 

Once you have requested your item, your request will be sent to the relevant library staff, who will search for, and select your required title.

Once this has been done, you will receive an automated Holds Notification Email, which will alert you that your item is ready to be collected, and include a link, so that you can book your collection slot.

Booking a slot

In line with wider Bodleian policy, readers are required to use a booking system to book collection slots at the VHL.

Use this link to book your space at the VHL.

The time slots for Click & Collect are from 12:00-16:00, on weekdays only.

If you are nominating a person to pick up your items for you (see below), add their name to the Notes field.

If you have requested more than one title via Click & Collect from the same library, you don’t need to book seperate time slots for each item. So long as the library staff have been able to select your item, and you have received a Holds Notification Email to confirm your book is available, you will only need to make use of one time slot booking.

For more information about the wider Click and Collect service,, visit the Bodleian Libraries website on using Click & Collect.

Arriving at the VHL to pick up your book 

You may arrive at any time during your allocated study slot. Please follow all social distancing guidance and signage when entering the building. If there is a queue, may be required to wait in the foyer, or outside the building.

Upon arrival outside the building, please follow the below steps:

  1. Enter the Rothermere American Institute foyer, via the door marked Entrance (on your right as you approach the building – see image below).

The library is through the glass doors door, on the left side of the foyer (see below). Keep to the right hand side as you enter through the doors.

 

 

 

2. Tap your Bodleian card against the card reader on your immediate right, to activate the access gates (see below).

3.  Please enter the library one person at a time. If library staff are busy with an enquiry  at the library desk, you may be asked to wait before the access gates, or in the RAI foyer.

4. Once the library staff member at the desk confirms that they are available to deal with your enquiry, please confirm that you are here to collect a book.

5. You will be asked to show your Bodleian card, so that the staff member can confirm your collection time, and find your item. Display your card either through the Perspex screen, or by placing your card on the desk, and then stepping away from the desk area and stand behind the line marked on the floor.

6. If there is a long queue of readers wishing to enter the library for reading room spaces, you may be asked to come back later to collect your material, when the enquiry desk is quieter.

Upon entering the library, you will need to register with library staff at the enquiry desk (pictured above). Please stand behind the line on the floor, when speaking with staff. 

Collecting your item

Once library staff have checked your card, they will be able to locate your book/s from behind the library enquiry desk area.

After verbally confirming with you that they have the correct book/number of books under your name, the staff member will need to scan your library card, either through the Perspex screen, or via the gap near the desk ledge.

At this stage, library staff will check the title/s out to you, and confirm the return date.

What if I miss my collection slot?

You can rebook a collection slot at any point via the link in your Holds Notification Email (see above). Your title will stay on the Hold Shelf for at least 7 days before being returned to the open shelves or passed on to the next request.

If you are struggling to organise a time to pick up your book, please email us as soon as possible so that we can assist you.

Nominating another person to collect your book

If you need to self-isolate, you may find that you cannot collect your book in person from the VHL. You can nominate another person, such as a friend or family member, to collect your book for you (this is called “collection by proxy”).

When you book your time slot, add in the name of your nominated collector in the Notes field. This alerts library staff that another person will be coming to collect your book.

Your nominated person will need to bring photo ID with them when they come to collect your book/s.

If you are unsure, feel free to contact us beforehand.

Leaving the VHL after collecting your book

You should leave the VHL after library staff have handed your your requested book/s.

  1. Leave the library one at a time, keeping to your right, as you go through the security sensors.
  2. Use the card reader on the wall directly in front of you (on your immediate right as you turn to face the library doors) to activate the security gates and exit the library through the library doors.
  3. Exit the RAI foyer via the exit immediately on your right.

When exiting the library, please be aware of your fellow readers and others in the building, and follow social distancing signage and guidance at all times. There may be a rush of readers exiting the library, and you may be asked to queue as you leave.

Returning books to the VHL

When returning books at the VHL, readers will be asked to put their items directly into a blue crate. The crate is located immediately on the right as you enter the library, on the ground next to the library desk. Readers do not need to make a reading room booking, or use the access gates in order to return their books.

A blue box, labelled Returns, is on the floor of the library. A set of glass doors are on the right of the image, and the library desk wall on the left.

Our returns crate is next to the library enquiry desk, as you walk through the glass doors.

After a quarantine period of 24 hours, the book will be removed from your account. Bodleian libraries will be extending it’s grace period on library fines from the lockdown period across Michaelmas Term, so the extra period of time on your account will not affect you.

Readers may also return their books via the Returns Hubs based at the Social Science Library in the Manor Road Building, or the Sainsbury Library at the Saïd Business School.

Please note that if you cannot physically return the books yourself, you may ask a friend or family member to return the books for you. If this is not possible, please visit the Bodleian Loans Returns webpage, which provides further information and return options for readers.

Continue reading →

What to expect when using the VHL Reading Rooms in Michaelmas Term 2020

Posted on by

If you are planning on booking and using the VHL study spaces, read this blogpost for further information, and advice on how to plan for your visit.

Booking a slot

In line with wider Bodleian policy, readers are required to use a booking system to book spaces at the VHL. Pre-booking is mandatory and walk-in requests for study spaces will be politely rejected by library staff.

A screenshot of the Bodleian Library Space Finder webpage. Note that this example includes our new Browse & Borrow service options – please ensure you select the right option for your visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use this link to book your space at the VHL.

For more information about the wider Bodleian reading room policies, and for further information on the booking service, visit the Bodleian Libraries website on using library reading rooms.

The booking slots for the VHL are:

Weekdays: 9:30 – 13:00; 13:30-17:00; 17:30-21:00

Saturday: 10:00- 12:30: 13:00 – 16:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 13:30: 14:00 – 17:00

You may book for more than one slot across the day if you wish.

Spaces will be available one week in advance of the advertised dates.

You can choose to book a Desk space or a Reader PC space. You cannot book two spaces at the same time, and move between the PC/Desk.

You may use the notes field if you wish to provide further information to the librarians before your slot, such as if you wish to use a microfilm reader.

Please note that study spaces at the VHL, and across the Bodleian Libraries are very heavily booked up, and we are trying to make as many spaces available as safely possible. Do not make a study space booking if you are not intending on using it. Please be considerate of your fellow readers.

Arriving at the VHL for your study slot

You may arrive at any time during your allocated study slot. Please follow all social distancing guidance and signage when entering the building. If there is a queue, may be required to wait in the foyer, or outside the building.

Upon arrival outside the building, please follow the below steps:

  1. Enter the Rothermere American Institute foyer, via the door marked Entrance (on your right as you approach the building – see image below).

The library is through the glass doors door, on the left side of the foyer (see below). Keep to the right hand side as you enter through the doors.

 

 

 

2. Tap your Bodleian card against the card reader on your immediate right, to activate the access gates (see below).

3.  Please enter the library one person at a time. If library staff are busy with an enquiry  at the library desk, you may be asked to wait before the access gates, or in the RAI foyer.

4. Once the library staff member at the desk confirms that they are available to deal with your enquiry, please confirm that you are here for a study space booking.

5. You will be asked to show your Bodleian card, so that the staff member can confirm your place on the Reading Room register. Display your card either through the Perspex screen, or by placing your card on the desk, and then stepping away from the desk area and stand behind the line marked on the floor.

6. The library staff member will confirm your study slot booking, and the times of your registered study slot. They will also inform you of the main guidelines you need to follow whilst using the library. If you are studying for more than one slot, you will then be given a red library ticket (see below for further information on library tickets).

7. If you have a stack request, or Click & Collect material which you need to collect, inform the library staff member, so that they can provide you with your items. If there is a long queue of readers wishing to enter the library for reading room spaces, you may be asked to come back later to collect your material, when the enquiry desk is quieter.

Upon entering the library, you will need to register with library staff at the enquiry desk (pictured above). Please stand behind the line on the floor, when speaking with staff.

Selecting a Desk or PC Study Space

Available spaces within the VHL have been marked out by library staff in advance. Available spaces are socially distanced from other readers, and located to ensure the least amount of contact between readers.

Available spaces are marked with a green tick sign, which reads “You may sit here”. Unavailable seats are marked with a red “Do not sit here” sign.

You may use any available desk or PC Reader space in the VHL, so long as the seat is marked with the green tick sign and there is not a red Library ticket left on the desk.

PC study spaces are available on the Ground Floor only. Desk spaces are available on all floors of the library.

The Reader PCs are located on the Ground Floor. You can sit at any of the PCs with a green tick sign.

Once you have selected your desired space, please use the nearby cleaning materials to wipe down your desk area or reading room equipment before using the space for your studies.

If you are having problems with your chosen study space (such as your PC/electronic plugs are not working), inform the library staff as soon as possible for their assistance. If your study space is found to be unusable, staff may move you to another free space, but we do ask for you to wipe down your previous study space before moving.

Displaying your library ticket 

If you are going to be studying at the VHL for more than one time slot (so for example, a morning & afternoon slot), you will be given a red ticket by a member of staff on your arrival. The ticket is to ensure that other library staff do not incorrectly ask you to leave before your booked slot times have ended, and to avoid them disturbing you when asking other readers to leave. Please keep your red ticket clearly visible on your desk, with the side with text facing upwards.

Staying for more than one time slot? Make sure to keep your red ticket displayed!

You do not need to leave the library in between any of your booked slots, but you may leave the library at any point for meals or other reasons. If you are planning on leaving the library and returning, please leave your red ticket on your desk, to make sure other readers do not use your space in your absence.

When you have finished studying for the day, please return your ticket to the enquiry point when you leave. Do not take your ticket home with you.

Using the reading room during your slot 

Social distancing guidelines and cleaning material 

Any reader using the library study spaces will need to follow the guidelines set out by the VHL. These are created in consultation with the Rothermere American Institute and the wider Bodleian libraries policy.

Readers will be required to wear a mask at all times whilst in the library, and wider RAI building. Readers must also maintain a 2 meter social distance between themselves and others using the building. There is a limit of one person down each library shelving bay.

If you require help from a library staff member, consider using Library Chat or email, instead of speaking 1-1 with a member of staff, to reduce unrequired contact.

There are cleaning materials located around the library on each floor, to allow readers to clean their study spaces and any reading room equipment they use whilst at the VHL. There are also hand sanitisers located near reading room equipment, and in wall dispensers around the building.

If you have any feedback on the social distancing/one way system, or feel that more cleaning material should be made available, please inform library staff by email. We are more than happy to consider your feedback, and reflect on what we can do better.

Moving around the library

A one-way system is in place around the building to encourage social distancing and to avoid unwarranted contact between people using the building.

Upon entering and exiting the RAI foyer, use the separate Entrance and Exit doors. Please keep to your right as you enter or exit the VHL via the glass doors and library access gates.

There is only one staircase which connects the Ground Floor to the Mezzanine level, from which you can access the other floors. Please be aware of other readers using the stairs and give way at the signposted points (pictured below).

If you need to continue to the floors higher than the Mezzanine level, use the stairs immediately on your right (see above image). You should only use these stairs to go up.

To travel to lower floors from the First/Second Floor towards the Mezzanine, please use the stairs located closest to car park, and RAI foyer. These stairs are opposite the stairs you used to enter the building. You should only use these stairs to go down (see below).

On the First and Second Floor, a one way system is in place around the library shelves. To travel towards the area of the building closest to the cark park and where the stairs for travelling downstairs are located, please walk on the side of the floor closest to the Mezzanine and the large glass windows looking onto the garden.

To travel towards the area of the building furthest from the car park and where the stairs for travelling upstairs, please walk on the side of the floor furthest from the Mezzanine, next to the windows facing South Parks Road.

Please limit the number of people down each library shelving bay to one.

In order to exit the building, you will need to go downstairs (using the stairs located closest to the carpark and RAI foyer), and then walk parallel to the Mezzanine study spaces and large glass windows looking onto the garden. Remember that you may need to give way to others before using the staircase which connects the Mezzanine to the Ground Floor.

There is signage clearly displayed around the library, to show readers the correct routes using the one way system, and clarifying where to give way to others.

Please be aware of others as you travel around the building. You may need to stand to the side, or leave a library shelving bay, in order for others to use the building in the safest way possible.

If you have any feedback on the one way system, or feel that more signage should be displayed, please inform library staff by email. We are more than happy to consider your feedback, and reflect on what we can do better.

Bathrooms and breaks

Bathrooms are located on the First Floor of the library, on the side closest to the car park.

The bathrooms include two unisex toilet cubicles (with individual sinks and hand drying facilities) and one disabled bathroom. Please be aware that others may be using the bathrooms, and give way to readers leaving the bathrooms as a priority. Hand sanitiser is available in a wall dispenser next to the toilet entrances.

Readers may leave the library at any point, including for meals. If you are going for a long period of time, you should take your personal belongings with you. If you have been given a red library ticket to show you have more than one study booking, leave the ticket on the desk.

If you are planning on re-entering the library, please inform the library staff as you leave. You will be asked to show your card when you re-enter the library so staff can confirm your slot.

Browsing 

Any reader with a booked reading room slot may browse the open shelves for VHL and RSL material. Please follow the wider social distancing guidelines and visible signage when travelling around the reading room. There is a limit of one person down each library shelving bay.

PCAS machines and other reading room equipment

Any reader with a booked slot may use the PCAS machines for scanning, copying and printing. The two PCAS machines for the VHL readers are located on the Ground Floor, on the side opposite the enquiry desk. Please use the available cleaning material to wipe down the machines before and after you use them.

If you wish to use the microfilm reader, please make a note of this on your booking. The library staff will make sure that the reader is available for you to use. Please use the available cleaning material to wipe down the reader before and after you use it.

The VHL also has accessibility equipment available for readers to use. Please ask at the enquiry desk if you would like to use any of the equipment, and the library staff will sign them out to you. Please use the available cleaning material to wipe down the equipment before and after you use them.

Leaving the VHL at the end of your study slot

You may leave the VHL at any point before the end of your study slot. Library staff will alert relevant readers in the library 15 minutes before the end of each of the allocated time slots. (So for example, staff will warn readers at 12:45 if their booking will end at 13:00). This is to give readers enough time to collect their belongings and clean their study spaces/reading room equipment before leaving.

If you have booked for more than one time slot across the same day, please keep your red ticket clearly visible on your desk, with the side with text facing upwards. Library staff will be checking tickets as they alert readers, and will not disturb you.

When you have finished your reading room slot, or have received a 15 minute warning from library staff, please complete the following steps.

  1. Pack up your belongings.
  2. Use the nearby cleaning materials to wipe down your desk, PC or any other reading room equipment that you have used.
  3. Leave any library materials that you will not be borrowing on your desk, or nearby library trollies.
  4. Bring your red library tickets downstairs with you and leave them on the Enquiry Desk. Please do not take the red tickets with you. 
  5. Leave aside some time if you need to return stack requests or check out books from the enquiry desk.
  6. Leave the library one at a time, keeping to your right, as you go through the security sensors.
  7. Use the card reader on the wall directly in front of you (on your immediate right as you turn to face the library doors) to activate the security gates and exit the library through the library doors.
  8. Exit the RAI foyer via the exit immediately on your right.

When exiting the library, please be aware of your fellow readers and others in the building, and follow social distancing signage and guidance at all times. You may need to wait for others to finish using cleaning material before you can use it. There may be a rush of readers exiting the library, and you may be asked to queue as you leave. If you need to return a stack request or check out books at the enquiry desk, you may be asked to wait until a queue of readers have left, before staff can assist you.

We hope you have a productive and positive experience at our library. If you have any questions or feedback about using the VHL reading room, please contact us at: vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

New! Online guide to US History sources

Posted on by

I’m pleased to announce the publication of the online Guide to US History Sources, on the Bodleian Libraries’ LibGuides site.  This guide replaces the old yellow paper versions which used to be available in the library, and provides links to and information about a whole variety of resources available for research in US History.

The web address for the guide is http://ox.libguides.com/ushistory.  The benefits of an online guide are that the links to e-resources are active (if you’re not connected to the University network you will need to sign in on SOLO first), and the guide can be easily and frequently updated.  Hopefully it will provide you with an excellent starting point for your research.  Please feel free to make suggestions about more resources to include, or if the guide could be made more user-friendly.  We also have a separate online guide available for US Government Publications, and could potentially create further specific guides in the future.

The online guide is designed to be complemented by the US Studies Resources at Oxford blog, which will go into more depth about individual resources and topics.  I’m also always happy to help you if you have questions about resources available either in the library or online.

Microform subject guide now available online

Posted on by

The list of microforms available in the library arranged roughly by subject (the big black folders that live on top of the cabinets) can now also be viewed online.   The online version is just a Google Docs version of the master spreadsheet, so to navigate between different subjects you need to click on the tabs at the bottom of the screen.

I have also extracted and uploaded the list of newspapers we have on microfilm separately.  The links to access both of these lists can be found on our website and also directly below:

Online guide to US Government Publications

Posted on by

The Bodleian Libraries are developing an online set of guides to resources at libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk. As part of this, we are working on transferring all the information we previously had in the printed guides available in the library (US History Sources and US Government Publications) onto the LibGuides site.  The History guides are still a work in progress, but the US Government Publications guide is now live and available for you to use.  It aims to provide a portal to the many sources of publications and information produced by the US government, both historic and current, held here in the VHL (and elsewhere in Oxford) and online.  We hope you’ll find it useful – please let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions for how it could be improved.  

You can access the guide via libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk, as well as through our website, or directly at http://ox.libguides.com/us-govpubs.

Photocopying, Printing & Scanning: How-to guides

Posted on by

How-to guides for the new photocopying, printing and scanning system are now available to download from the Bodleian Libraries’ website, or can be viewed online from the following links:

All these guides are also available in the library, either as copies to take away or as reference copies by the photocopier and computers.