Any Bodleian Reader card holder can consult the EU/UN papers Official Papers held in the Law Library throughout the year.
The Weston Library is open throughout the year to all readers who wish to consult special collections material (including University students of all levels).
How do I find and use library resources?
General print collections
Use our library catalogue, SOLO, to search across almost all books, printed journals and newspapers, maps and music printed after 1801 (except those classified as part of our special collections).
How to use SOLO.
How to access items from general collections
You can access items kept in our reading rooms (open shelf items) as soon as you receive your Bodleian Reader card. Please note: Bodleian Reader card holders cannot borrow items.
You can also use SOLO to request items held in offsite storage for delivery to one of our libraries. Select 'Find & Request' on the item record. You will need your Bodleian Reader card, username and password. To order items in advance of getting your Bodleian Reader card, please email reader.services@bodleian.ox.ac.uk with full details of the items you would like to consult 5 working days (Monday – Friday) before you visit the Admissions Office. You can pre-order up to 6 items.
E-resources
You can search Oxford University's subscription journals, e-books and other digital resources on SOLO, our library catalogue.
How to access e-resources
Bodleian Reader card holders can access our subscription resources from within our libraries using a library computer or your own device logged in to our ‘Bodleian-Libraries’ Wi-Fi. Due to licensing agreements, you won't be able to access these resources outside of our libraries. You may not use our electronic resources for commercial purposes.
Some of our online resources are available to Bodleian Reader card holders offsite. Use the Open Access filter in SOLO to find journals, articles and books that are available to all to read. Many of our databases are also open to all: look for the circle symbol in Databases A-Z.
Special collections
Our special collections include our collections of manuscripts, archives, rare books, music and maps. To find out more about the items we hold, browse our special collections catalogues and finding aids.
If you wish to use an item from our special collections, please include your request in your statement of research need when you apply for your Bodleian Reader card. Readers don't receive access automatically.
How to order items from special collections
Many items listed on our online special collections catalogues can be ordered using our online request service – look for 'Request this' on the item record. Find out more about using the request service.
For all other items from our special collections, contact the team at specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk at least 48 hours before your planned visit to make sure the material is available for you to use.
Find out more about using our special collections.
Using our library services
You are very welcome to use the following library services:
Finding help
Our staff are available in most reading rooms. Feel free to ask any member of staff if you need help or guidance. We also have live chat and ask a librarian services to help answer your queries.
Straightforward enquiries are usually resolved immediately.
If your query requires specialist subject knowledge, you will usually be referred to a subject librarian or curator who can help. However, subject experts may not be immediately available. You can find contact details for our subject librarians.
