Using the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library

A pale stone building with two large brown metal downs - the outside of the library

Admission

  • To use the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library, you must have a valid University or Bodleian Reader card. Please bring your card with you every time you visit the library.
  • If you are a registered reader, present your University or Bodleian Reader card at the card access point to the left of the entrance and wait for the doors to open automatically.  
  • If you do not have a Bodleian Reader card, find out more about how to apply to join the Bodleian Libraries. 
  • If you are a visitor, or there is a problem with your card, please use the buzzer/intercom at the card access point to contact the lodge/issue desk. 

Rules and regulations

The Bodleian Libraries Regulations and Rules of Conduct apply in this library. Readers should also note the following local rules:

  • Bags and other personal items that can be safely stowed under a desk without causing an obstruction may be brought into the library. Larger suitcases and bags are not permitted in the reading rooms. Lockers are provided in the lobby for storing personal possessions, though not for bulky items. Find out more about lockers.
  • Bottled water and hot drinks in secure thermal cups or KeepCups are permitted in the library. Please do not consume any other types of food or drink in the reading rooms. Food may be consumed in the lobby, or the courtyard in fine weather. Please dispose of any food waste and other rubbish in the bins provided. 
  • Our reading rooms are for quiet study. Please be considerate of your fellow readers and ensure laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices are switched to silent mode.
  • The intermediate landings on the north and south staircases may be used for quiet conversations or essential phone calls.
  • You may use personal scanning devices or cameras in reading rooms if this does not disturb other library users. If you have questions about copying or copyright, please speak to a member of library staff. 
  • Please treat library materials and facilities with due care.  
  • Our reading rooms contain heavy moving bookcases. Please follow the safety guidelines and be aware of fellow readers before attempting to move them. 
  • Library computers are for research purposes only.

General information

  • The issue desk is near the main entrance on the ground floor where library staff will be available to assist you.
  • Secure cycle parking is available in the courtyard off Pusey Place during library opening hours. Bicycles must be retrieved before closing time. Please ask a member of staff if you would like card access to the courtyard. 
  • Water fountains are available in the entrance lobby and outside the floor 2 reader toilets. Drinking water taps can also be found in the ground floor and floor 2 reader toilets. 
  • Every reader desk has a power socket, an Ethernet (wired internet) socket and a desk lamp. Wi-Fi is available throughout the library.  
  • If triggered, the book detector in the issue desk hall will sound an alarm and lock the exit gate. Please ask a member of staff on duty for help if this occurs.

 

Please take note of fire escape direction signs displayed around the library.

If the fire alarm sounds, you must leave the building immediately by the nearest exit and assemble on the far side of St John Street until authorised to return by a senior member of library staff.

In the event of a fire alarm, do not attempt to use the lift. It is programmed to proceed directly to the ground floor and stay there for use by the Fire Service only.

 

The closing bell will ring once, 15 minutes before closing time, and twice at closing time itself. Readers must be ready to leave by the time the final bells are rung. Please clear your desk, switch off any desk lamps and remember to take your belongings with you.

Layout and classification

The Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library is home to over 350,000 items, across five floors. Library staff are always happy to help you find what you need, but if you want to do it yourself there are options.

Floorplans

Can't find your books? Having trouble navigating the library? Use our interactive floor plans! You can virtually browse the contents of shelves, search by shelfmark (call number) and instantly locate a book within the library. Focus on reading books, not looking for them!

Classification

You can find a summary chart of the collections held on each floor posted on the staircase landings and in the lift lobbies. Each floor has a more detailed guide, showing the classification sequences.

Some of the library’s collections use old, bespoke classification systems. The rest use the Library of Congress classification system, which is the default system across the Bodleian Libraries.

Accompanying material such as CD-ROMs, loose plates and microfiche are stored separately. Please ask for assistance at the issue desk on the ground floor. 

Find out more about the library's subject collections.

 

Published material from the Rare Books Room, Archive Room, Wind Collection and Haskell Collection may be ordered through the item record on SOLO and collected from the issue desk. Your reader card will be retained by staff during consultation.

Access to archival material is by appointment only. Please email artlib-enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk to arrange access.

Find out more about special collections at the Art Library.

Using the collections

Reshelving

Please return open shelf books to a reshelving point or a book trolley when you have finished with them, so that they can be made available to other readers. Please do not reshelve the books yourself. Remember to return any loaned materials to the issue desk. 

Reserve items

There are self-service reservation points on every floor. You may reserve up to 10 items per floor for up to two days by completing a reservation slip. Reserved books and periodicals (also known as journals or serials) should be reserved on the floor that they come from.