There are over 100 libraries in the University of Oxford system and lending policies differ among the libraries. Please see the Libraries pages for more information on the policies of a particular library.
The following FAQs provide some general advice about borrowing across the centrally managed Bodleian Libraries. A full Bodleian Libraries Circulation Policy document is available from here.
Who can borrow from Bodleian Libraries?
Only members of Oxford University will usually be entitled to borrow items, although others may be admitted on a reference-only basis to libraries that lend (see the Admissions section for more information).
I’m a member of Oxford University, can I borrow from ALL Oxford University libraries?
No. Students will typically have borrowing rights at their individual College Library and also have borrowing privileges across a range of central libraries collectively known as the Bodleian Libraries . To check your borrowing privileges please see relevant sections on the website of the library you wish to use or select the 'Information' link from the list of Oxford Libraries.
How many items can I have on loan?
Loan entitlements vary among libraries. Each library publicises this information on their website.
How do I know if something can be borrowed?
Not everything can be borrowed. The loan status of an item will be indicated on SOLO.
How do I know when my book is due back?
You can check your loans and due dates from MyAccount on SOLO. See the SOLO LibGuide on how to manage your account.
How can I renew my books?
You can renew your items from MyAccount on SOLO. See the SOLO LibGuide on how to manage your account.
Online renewals will not be possible if you have reached the maximum number of renewals possible, the item has been reserved, or if your fines have reached £10.
The book I want is on loan – what can I do?
You can place a hold on the book – no one will be able to renew the book until a copy is returned for you. See the SOLO LibGuide for how to place a hold.
Can I have access to books in ‘Closed Stack’?
Yes, you can request closed access material to available reading rooms. For information on how to place a request see the SOLO LibGuide. See Closed Stack Requests FAQs for further information.
Closed Stack can indicate bookstacks in libraries as well as offsite repositories, the largest of which is the Book Storage Facility that holds 8 million items.
Will I get fined if I return the book late?
The majority of Bodleian Libraries charge the following level of fines which apply to all categories of readers with the exception of waivers which have been agreed due to individual circumstances.
- 20p per day for standard loans
- £1 per day for short loans (those items loaned for shorter periods than the standard loan period)
- 50p per hour for overnight loans
Once the total fines incurred across Bodleian Libraries reach £10, they must be paid in order for the reader to continue to borrow.
The following libraries are exempt from these standardised fine tariffs: Continuing Education Library, Health Care Libraries, Latin American Centre Library, Said Business School (for distance learners only).
Can I return books to any library?
No, the books must be returned to the library at which they were borrowed.
