Getting started: How to use my Bodleian Reader card
Who are Bodleian Reader card holders?
Bodleian Reader card holders have made a successful application to get a reader card. They are not current full members of the University of Oxford.
What access do I have as a Bodleian Reader card holder?
As a Bodleian Reader card holder:
- you can use our library resources (including the University's subscription e-resources) while you are in any of the Bodleian Libraries
- you cannot borrow items from the libraries
- you cannot access subscription e-resources remotely.
For more information, see 'How do I find and use library items?'
If you need to access our special collections, you will need to include a request as part of your statement of research need.
When you receive your card, you will also be given a Bodleian Libraries username and password. Use these details to log into SOLO (Oxford University's main library catalogue), library PCs, the ‘Bodleian-Libraries’ Wi-Fi network and our Print, Copy and Scan (PCAS) service.
Which libraries can I use?
All Bodleian Reader card holders may use any of the Bodleian Libraries during University vacations:
Vacation dates 2025–26
- Sunday 16 March 2025 – Saturday 19 April 2025
- Sunday 22 June – Saturday 4 October 2025
- Sunday 7 December 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026
- Sunday 15 March 2026 – Saturday 18 April 2026
- Sunday 21 June 2026 – Saturday 3 October 2026
Some libraries are available by appointment only – please check each individual library for details.
If you are eligible to use the Bodleian Libraries during term time, your access is as follows:
- Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library (formerly the Sackler Library)
- Bodleian Old Library
- Education Library
- Japanese Library
- KB Chen China Centre Library
- Latin American Centre Library
- Law Library
- EU/UN Official Papers (in Law Library)
- Leopold Muller Memorial Library
- Nizami Ganjavi Library
- Radcliffe Science Library
- Rewley House Continuing Education Library
- Social Science Library
- Taylor Institution Library
- Vere Harmsworth Library
- Sherardian Library of Plant Taxonomy (by appointment only)
- Weston Library
- Cairns Library at the John Radcliffe Hospital
- English Faculty Library
- Girdlestone Memorial Library at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
- Horton Hospital Library
- Knowledge Centre at Old Road Campus
- Music Faculty Library
- Philosophy and Theology Faculties Library
- Radcliffe Camera (History Faculty Library)
- Sainsbury Library at the Said Business School (access by appointment only)
Any Bodleian Reader card holder can consult the EU/UN papers Official Papers held in the Law Library throughout the year.
The Weston Library is open throughout the year to all readers who wish to consult special collections material (including University students of all levels).
How do I find and use library resources?
General print collections
Use our library catalogue, SOLO, to search across almost all books, printed journals and newspapers, maps and music printed after 1801 (except those classified as part of our special collections).
How to access items from general collections
You can access items kept in our reading rooms (open shelf items) as soon as you receive your Bodleian Reader card. Please note: Bodleian Reader card holders cannot borrow items.
You can also use SOLO to request items held in offsite storage for delivery to one of our libraries. Select 'Find & Request' on the item record. You will need your Bodleian Reader card, username and password. To order items in advance of getting your Bodleian Reader card, please email reader.services@bodleian.ox.ac.uk with full details of the items you would like to consult 5 working days (Monday – Friday) before you visit the Admissions Office. You can pre-order up to 6 items.
E-resources
You can search Oxford University's subscription journals, e-books and other digital resources on SOLO, our library catalogue.
How to access e-resources
Bodleian Reader card holders can access our subscription resources from within our libraries using a library computer or your own device logged in to our ‘Bodleian-Libraries’ Wi-Fi. Due to licensing agreements, you won't be able to access these resources outside of our libraries. You may not use our electronic resources for commercial purposes.
Some of our online resources are available to Bodleian Reader card holders offsite. Use the Open Access filter in SOLO to find journals, articles and books that are available to all to read. Many of our databases are also open to all: look for the circle symbol in Databases A-Z.
Special collections
Our special collections include our collections of manuscripts, archives, rare books, music and maps. To find out more about the items we hold, browse our special collections catalogues and finding aids.
If you wish to use an item from our special collections, please include your request in your statement of research need when you apply for your Bodleian Reader card. Readers don't receive access automatically.
How to order items from special collections
Many items listed on our online special collections catalogues can be ordered using our online request service – look for 'Request this' on the item record. Find out more about using the request service.
For all other items from our special collections, contact the team at specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk at least 48 hours before your planned visit to make sure the material is available for you to use.
Find out more about using our special collections.
Using our library services
You are very welcome to use the following library services:
Finding help
Our staff are available in most reading rooms. Feel free to ask any member of staff if you need help or guidance. We also have live chat and ask a librarian services to help answer your queries.
Straightforward enquiries are usually resolved immediately.
If your query requires specialist subject knowledge, you will usually be referred to a subject librarian or curator who can help. However, subject experts may not be immediately available. You can find contact details for our subject librarians.
