Meet Bodley's Librarian
Welcome to the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford
You will find here a universe of knowledge to discover. Whether you explore one or more of Oxford's 100 libraries or visit the Libraries online, you'll be encountering one of the world's greatest resources.
We hold collectively 11 million volumes, and we also offer more access to online publications and databases than any other academic institution in the UK. A partner in Google's Book Search initiative, we are scanning many of our 19th century books, and we offer over 200,000 titles in our Early English Books Online and the Eighteenth Century Collections Online.
Oxford's Digital Library is only an introduction to our extraordinary holdings. Among our treasures are four 'engrossments' of Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, and the art work for Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
In addition to our collections and web services, you'll find a variety of appealing spaces in which to study or conduct research. College libraries are invaluable for students and fellows, and many permit 24-hour access.
The Bodleian Library and the associated libraries that comprise the Bodleian Libraries support all members of the University of Oxford and welcome scholars from around the world. Founded in 1602, the Bodleian, which only makes books available for onsite consultation, is the centre of advanced humanities research. The Social Science Library is the University's busiest library, with over 7,500 users during a single week in Trinity Term. The Radcliffe Science Library has been transformed and re-opened in 2008 with improved services as a combined reference and lending library.
I invite you and indeed encourage you to take advantage of all Oxford's libraries have to offer. You'll have an opportunity to delve into our unparalleled collections, to use our signature spaces, and to enjoy specialized services, all assembled for your benefit.
Our goal is to be the best university library service in the world, and I hope you will help us by letting us know where we can innovate and develop our services and collections to improve your research and learning.
Sincerely yours,
