These instructions are for those who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from the University of Oxford. To apply for a Bodleian Reader card, you must not hold a valid Oxford University card. Please note that the application process is always the same, whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your Bodleian Reader card.
If you are continuing to read for another degree at Oxford in the following Michaelmas term, see how to apply for a ‘returning student’ Bodleian Reader card.
If you hold a certificate or diploma from the University of Oxford, or were a visiting student, you will need to apply via one of our other categories.
Make a Bodleian Reader card application
- Download and complete the application form, including the statement of research need.
- If you wish, you may pre-order material before applying for a Bodleian Reader card.
- You must come to the Admissions Office to make your application. Please bring your completed application form and ID documents with you. If you would like our office to print out your completed application form and hold it under your name, please email it to admissions@bodleian.ox.ac.uk at least 2 working days (Monday – Friday) before your visit.
- Find out more about our opening hours, and read our guidance on arriving at the office.
Bring the following proofs with you when you come to Admissions (please do not email us photos or scans)
One proof of identity in their original format:
- passport*
- photo driving licence*
- national identity card*
- bank card
- credit card
- photo bus pass
- Police/Customs/Home Office/Warrant Card
One proof of permanent home address in hard or electronic copy in English, dated within six months of the current application being made:
- utility bill (electricity, gas, internet, telephone, water)
- bank statement
- credit card statement
- building society statement
- payslip (where both the employer’s and the employee’s addresses are stated)
- Council Tax bill
- TV licence
*These documents can be used both as proof of identity and proof of permanent home address, where the address has been officially printed. If you have changed your name since graduating from Oxford, please also bring with you official confirmation of the name change. For further guidance, please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
Cost
You are eligible to apply for a free Bodleian Reader card.
Library access granted
All Bodleian Reader card holders get reference-only access to printed material in the Bodleian Libraries and no borrowing privileges or remote access to subscription electronic resources.
You have access to most of Bodleian Libraries throughout the year and vacation-only access to the remaining libraries.
Returning student
If you have completed your degree during the summer and you will continue to read for another degree at Oxford starting the following Michaelmas term, you can apply for a ‘returning student’ Bodleian Reader card. This will allow you to keep your borrowing rights between the expiry of your old University card and the start of your new one. This card will expire just before the start of Michaelmas term.
In addition to your completed application form and the required ID documents (as mentioned above), please also bring official confirmation from your department or college stating the degree you will be reading for in the new academic year.
Please note: you will not have remote access to subscription electronic resources until you begin your new degree and you are issued with a new University card.
