Borrowing at the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library

A central back of large bookshelves in the centre of a round room

Who can borrow?

  • If you hold a valid (blue-striped) University card, you may borrow from our circulating collections. Students may borrow from the Classics Lending Library (see below). 
  • If you hold a Bodleian Reader card, you have reference-only access to our collections, and may not borrow items.

What can be borrowed?

Readers may borrow items from our circulating collections.

The following items cannot be borrowed:  

  • any work published pre-1850
  • periodicals (also known as journals or serials)
  • special collections (rare books and archival materials)
  • any item judged not to be in a fit state to be borrowed
  • many large format items, known as folios
  • any item marked as confined/library use only on SOLO
  • legal deposit items

If you are unsure whether you can borrow an item or not, please speak to a member of library staff.  

Classics Lending Library (CLL): student borrowing only

About the CLL

The Classics Lending Library (CLL) can be found on the ground floor, to the left and right of the reading room entrance. The collection includes required reading texts for Oxford undergraduate students reading Classics and joint schools subjects.

Borrow from the CLL

Only Oxford students may borrow from the CLL. Other readers, including academic and administrative staff, may not borrow from this collection. 

Vacation loans are available for CLL books. Items borrowed on or after Monday of Week 8 are due back by Tuesday of Week 1 of the following term.

Borrowing allowances and loan periods

Our borrowing policy applies across all Bodleian Libraries that offer lending, including the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library. Find out more about borrowing from the Bodleian Libraries, including how many items you can borrow, loan periods and automatic renewals.

Vacation borrowing for eligible items begins on Monday of 8th Week each term.

In addition:

  • University card holders wishing to borrow books are welcome to use our self-issue machine near the exit turnstile.
  • Vacation loans are available for CLL items only. For all other items, standard loan periods apply during vacations.  
  • Please be aware that you are responsible for any items borrowed from the Bodleian Libraries. Items may be recalled at any time by other readers. You may therefore be required to return items when you are not physically in Oxford, via registered mail, at your own expense. You will be charged for the replacement of any lost or damaged items.
  • Loans may be returned via the drop box near the entry turnstile or in person, at the issue desk.