Planning to Use Special Collections?
Who can read here?
We welcome academics, students of all levels and independent researchers to consult our collections any time we are open. To consult manuscripts, special collections and rare books a full and unrestricted Bodleian reader’s card (Group A) is required. If you are an undergraduate or taught postgraduate writing a dissertation and you need to use special collections, please see the page on dissertations.
How do I get a reader's card?
To obtain a Group A Bodleian reader's card, which will give you access to rare books and manuscripts, you should either bring a letter of recommendation (addressed to the Bodleian Library) or bring a completed application form (both admission forms A and B). In either case your recommender should state that you wish to consult manuscripts (i.e. unpublished material of any date), special or rare book collections, naming the collection(s).
You should then bring the letter or completed application form (signed by your recommender, with a second signature in the section relating to access to manuscripts and rare books) for presentation at the Admissions Office with proof of your identity. Your reader's card is issued there and then.
The Admissions Office is in the Clarendon Building on the corner of Broad Street and Catte Street (open 09.30-16.30 weekdays, 10.15-13.30 Saturdays).
For complete details of the admissions procedure, go to the Admissions web pages where you can download the application forms for a reader's card. The admissions web pages also provide a layout of the Library buildings, plus a scale of admission charges and exemptions.
Where are special collections consulted?
Bodleian Library special collections are read in two different reading rooms, one within the central Bodleian and one reading room at the Radcliffe Science Library. For information about the reading rooms, including reading room rules (for example, the reading rooms do not allow the use of pens), opening hours, contact details and subjects covered, please see the reading room pages (linked below).
Each reading room has areas of specialisation, although you may find that there is cross-over, or that a particular book or manuscript may not be available in the expected reading room due to its size or for reasons of preservation. You should also book your seat at least 24 hours in advance and advise us of the collections you wish to consult, as some have special conditions of access, while others are yet to be released for consultation.
- Special Collections Reading Room at RSL (SCRR)
Medieval, early modern and modern manuscripts (including modern political, literary, scientific) and rare books; Oriental manuscripts and rare books; music manuscripts; some map collections (Todhunter Allen Collection, Antiquarian atlases, Portolan charts, Manuscript maps – shelfmarks commencing (MS)). -
Ordering material in SCRR: On request we can pre-order a limited amount of material, otherwise the usual delivery time is about 1-2 hours from submission of orders, unless the material is stored offsite (24-48 hours for delivery). Reading room staff will advise.
- Duke Humfrey's Library (DH)
Maps, printed music, and printed books and periodicals in the subject fields of Maps and Music; Oxford University Archives; Oxford University theses; Conservative Party Archives; certain western manuscript collections. - Ordering material in DH: Most material in maps, music, theses and western manuscripts is stored offsite and has a delivery time of between 24 - 48 hours. Conservative Party Archives has a delivery time of 24 hours (midday delivery) and University Archives often 1-2 hours but up to 24-48 hours for delivery.
The John Johnson Collection of Printed Ephemera will be available for consultation only by prior arrangement with the John Johnson Librarian, please contact jjcoll@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
For the latest information on special collections moves, including where particular collections can now be consulted, please see the Special Collections Temporary Move website.