Special Collections Move Q&A
Why is the temporary move of Special Collections Reading Room and material necessary?
In preparation for the refurbishment of the New Bodleian Library, which began in 2011, a large proportion of Special Collections material has been relocated temporarily. The move took place for conservation reasons, in order to protect our important collections during the building works.
Which collections are affected by the temporary move?
The special collections department is responsible for the following collections within the Bodleian Library:
- Western manuscripts (from classical papyri and medieval illuminated manuscripts to modern political and scientific papers).
- Western-language rare books & printed ephemera, as well as maps and music.
- Oriental manuscripts and rare books comprising material from the Middle East and Asia, including books, manuscripts and even paintings in languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Sanskrit and Armenian.
Where is the Special Collections Reading Room located?
The new Special Collection Reading Room opened at the Radcliffe Science Library.
Why was the Radcliffe Science Library selected to house the new Special Collections Reading Room?
The Radcliffe Science Library was selected because of its central Oxford location (it’s very near to the New Bodleian Library) and because of its good level of security and environmental conditions.
Why was the Lankester Room selected for Special Collections Reading Room?
The Lankester Room was selected for practical reasons. In the new location, the delivery time of our material is shortened in comparison to the delivery time in the previous Special Collections Reading Room and in Duke Humfrey’s Library.
Has the reference material moved to the new reading room?
Yes, a large proportion of the reference material, complementing the temporarily transferred Special Collections, has been relocated to the Radcliffe Science Library Special Collections Reading Room.
Have Special Collections staff moved to the new reading room?
A dedicated Special Collections team and relevant resources have also relocated to the Radcliffe Science Library to administer this material for readers.
What will happen to Duke Humfrey’s Library?
Duke Humfrey's Library will continue to provide access to manuscripts and rare books not transferred to the new location (this includes maps and music collections and reference materials).
How long will the Special Collections Reading Room be at the Radcliffe Science Library?
The temporary Special Collections Reading Room will operate at the Radcliffe Science Library for the duration of the work on the New Bodleian Library (approximately four years*).
How will we know which reading room is responsible for which material?
A list of the transferred collections and fuller information is available here:
What are the Special Collections Reading Rooms’ opening hours?
The Special Collections Reading Room at the Radcliffe Science Library is open:
Term time
- Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 10pm
- Saturdays: 10am - 4pm
- Sundays: Closed
(Note that the Radcliffe Science Library's weekends in term time cover 9 weeks, i.e. 0th to 8th week inclusive, as opposed to the Central Bodleian’s 8 weeks)
Vacation
- Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 7pm
- Saturdays: 10am - 2pm
- Sundays: Closed
Duke Humfrey’s Library is open:
- Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm
- Saturdays: 10am - 4pm
- Sundays: Closed
Will the Upper and the Lower Reading Rooms in the Old Bodleian Library be affected by the Special Collections move?
These reading rooms should not be affected by the move.
Are the reprographic services still available?
The reprographic services are available. We also allow personal digital photography of some material in our reading rooms. Please ask staff for details and guidance.
My question isn’t included in the Q&A page. How can I get in touch with somebody who is able to help?
If you have further queries, please contact Special Collections staff, either in the Special Collections Reading Room, by telephone on 01865 277046 or by emailing enquiries.sc@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Additional Q&A for staff only
*Note: This is an ongoing project. We aim to keep to the advertised timescale. However, delays are possible and we will update these web pages on a regular basis.
Further information
- Collection location updates
Current reading rooms for consultation of special collections. - Project background
Special Collections temporary move project background. - Contact us
Email: enquiries.sc@ bodleian.ox.ac.uk. Telephone: 01865 277046.