Restricted Books
Restricted Printed Books: Q&A
What are they?
In most cases these are books of outstanding rarity and value (select) or subject to legal restraints (reserved). The SOLO catalogue entry will indicate that they cannot be ordered electronically via SOLO. Many of the ‘select’ books are available to readers in print, film or digital facsimile.
How may I see them?
If you feel that your research requires access to the original, you need to contact staff in Rare Books directly (e-mail: rare.books@bodleian.ox.ac.uk), giving as much notice as possible (at least 24 hours), and stating why it is that you wish to see a restricted book.
Where may I consult them?
In the reading room most appropriate for the security and safety of the material.
When may I consult them?
Restricted books will normally be fetched on Mondays to Fridays to designated reading rooms by 10am; they must be returned to the staff by 4pm on the day of issue.