Computing services

Computer facilities in the library

The Library has 40 workstations for the use of readers. Each provides access to the Web, legal databases, Office applications and Endnote.  Ask a member of staff where these are located. One of the computers in the Graduate Reading Room also has SPSS.

Please see special instructions about the password required to log on to a Bodleian Library computer.

In addition there are 6 terminals that allow you to access the catalogue and internet without a log in (these are called Sun Rays)

It is not possible to save documents to the library's computers, any work saved to the desktop will be lost when you are logged out. Instead please save to a USB stick or floppy disk. In addition the workstations in the Freshfields Room have writable CD and DVD drives (CD-RW and DVD +/- RW).

You can send print jobs from all of the Library's workstations to any self-service printer/copier in a Bodleian Library. Please see Photocopying, scanning and printing for more information.

Using Laptops and other mobile devices

You are welcome to use your laptop, tablet or other mobile device to access the network in the Library.

Securing your laptop

You are advised to buy a lock to secure your laptop whilst you are in the Library.

Connecting to the network

The Library has both ethernet and wireless networks so that you can access the Internet

Using the ethernet network

There are ethernet points at most of the graduate research desks, at desks 41-64 on the main floor and at the desks outside the Freshfields Room on the lower floor of the Library.

If you need to borrow an Ethernet cable, you may sign one out at the Reserve Desk. When you first open your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Firefox) you will be prompted for your University card barcode number and your SOLO password (this is the password you use to access your patron record on SOLO and to order books from the stacks and is not your single sign on).

Using the wireless network

The wireless network covers the central seating area of the main floor of the Library and the Graduate Reading Room. There are three available options for connecting: the Reading Room wireless service called Bodleian Libraries, Eduroam, and OWL with VPN.

To use the Reading Room wireless service, please select the Bodleian-Libraries wireless network. When you open your web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox etc) you will be prompted for your University card barcode number and your SOLO password (this is the password you use to access your patron record on SOLO). If you are unsure of your password please ask at the enquiry desk.

Further information about the Reading Room wireless service is available here.

If you are a member of a participating Eduroam institution, you may use the Eduroam wireless service. To do this, choose the Eduroam wireless network. You will need to be authenticated, instructions for a variety of operating systems/devices may be found here.

If you have previously used the OWL service with VPN, you may continue to use this method, which requires an OUCS Remote Access account and a configured VPN client on your laptop. In this case, select the OWL wireless network. More information on this option can be found here.

If you have any queries about accessing the network please contact law.library@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Printing from your laptop

Provided you have a PCAS account, and you are on a Library network, it is possible to send print jobs from your personal laptop to Law Library printer/copiers.  For more information on how to do this go to the Photocopying, Printing and Scanning pages or you can find help online in the Bodleian libguides service.