Book a library time slot

To help us keep you safe, you'll need to book your visit in advance.

Find the libraries which are currently open

Booking a time slot to study in the library

To use the libraries that are open you will need to book a time slot in advance using Space Finder or via email – check the individual library.

Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance and will close 30 minutes before the timeslot starts. New slots are released between 8 – 9am each morning. Cancellations will be released back into the system, meaning that slots may become available on the day you need them.

After making your booking, we will send you a confirmation email containing important information about the new safety arrangements within our buildings.

If you have not booked in advance, unfortunately you'll be turned away.

Single sign-on for Space Finder

You will need to use your SSO (single sign-on) to log into Space Finder.

This is a temporary measure until we are able to open our libraries to more readers.

Cancelling your booking

If you are no longer able to attend the library, please cancel by clicking the 'cancel your booking' link in your confirmation email to automatically cancel your slot and make it available to others.

We are currently experiencing a high demand for study spaces, therefore please:

  • book with other readers in mind;
  • check all relevant libraries for available dates;
  • check the evening before your desired slot for cancellations;
  • and cancel your booking if you no longer need it.

Suspension policy for non-attendance

Due to continuing problems with readers not arriving to take their slots in the reading rooms, and the effect this has on other readers who have been unable to book a desk in the reading rooms, the libraries will shortly be introducing a suspension policy for non-attendance. Given the importance of having a place to study, especially during exam time, the libraries will be suspending those readers who routinely miss their reading room slot and do not cancel. We have tried to make it as easy as possible to cancel your booking by including links in the confirmation and reminder emails, and bookings can be cancelled up to 8am on the day of your booking.

This change will not affect those readers who cancel their booking in advance or are unable to cancel at short notice, for example due to illness.

When logging in to Space Finder, if you have missed a booking you will see a warning message showing how many bookings you have not attended that week. Any readers who have missed four bookings in one week, or six bookings in a fortnight, will be suspended from Space Finder, but will not be suspended from visiting the libraries to attend existing bookings. The suspension will run for seven days from the Friday of the following week, after which it will be possible to make bookings again.

If your account is showing non-attendance or you are suspended but believe that this was in error or you have a legitimate reason for not attending, please contact the Admissions Office.

Suspended readers will still be able to make use of Click and Collect but will be unable to Browse and Borrow.

Who is eligible to use the libraries?

Currently only University members who are have been invited back to study will be able to book a time slot to study in the libraries.

The Cairns Library and Horton Library are open unstaffed for clinical students and OUH staff only.

This is a temporary measure as we respond to current government and University guidance. Bodleian Reader card holders with a valid card are still able to access our remote services.

Available collections and facilities

In our open libraries, you will be able to access:

Closed stack deliveries

To make use of this resource, check SOLO for availability in your chosen library, ensuring you have booked a seat in the reading room beforehand.

Alternatively, use our free scan and deliver service.

Library PCs

If you would like to use a library computer during your visit, you will need to book a 'PC booking' on Space Finder. This will give you access to a computer and a desk space.

Accessibility

The access provision varies across our libraries.

If you have any access needs, please email reader.services@bodleian.ox.ac.uk before making your booking so that we can let you know what we can offer.

We will then ask you to include your request in the 'Other Information' box when you book your study space online.

Time limits on study spaces

There will be time limits for study spaces in some libraries.

What to expect when you visit a library

What to expect when you are visiting to study in a library or using services such as Click and Collect.

What to bring with you

  • Your University or (valid) Bodleian Reader card in order to enter the library;
  • Proof of your booking (e.g. a screenshot or print out of your confirmation email);
  • A face covering. Unless you are exempt under the government guidelines, we will turn you away if you don't have a face covering. Surgical masks are mandatory in the Bodleian Health Care Libraries situated inside hospitals.

Standard rules and regulations remain around items permitted in the libraries such as bags and KeepCups, unless otherwise stated.

We ask that you visit the library individually and not with members of your social bubble.

When you arrive

  • You'll need to use the sanitiser provided to clean your hands when you enter the library building;
  • Floor markings and signage will indicate where you should enter and exit the library;
  • Some libraries may have one-way systems, which will also be signed;
  • If there is a queue to enter the library, please follow the markings on the floor and observe social distancing by remaining two metres behind the person in front;
  • Give your name to the member of staff on duty and present your University or Bodleian Reader card.

During your visit

To keep staff and other library users safe, we ask that you:

  • Wear a face covering properly at all times in the library, unless you are exempt under the government guidelines when you are requested to display a sunflower or exemption card
  • If you need a member of staff to remove their face covering to talk to you please ask – we will be happy to help
  • There may be specific exemptions for certain group study or seminar rooms – details will be provided outside individual rooms
  • Do not put your face covering down on desktops or shared surfaces
  • Wash or sanitise your hands at regular intervals, including when handling books and collections.
  • Maintain 2 metre social distance from all readers and staff.

You are welcome to come and go within your time slot, just remember you'll need to queue up again, present your University or Bodleian Library card and sanitise your hands when you come back in the building. At the end of your time slot, you may be asked to leave so we can clean the desks before the next session.

Some areas within the libraries may remain closed to readers, including cafes and common rooms.

Readers that compromise our practices will be asked to leave. Thank you for working with us to protect our community.

Alternative ways to access library resources

  • Borrow: we have a number of different borrowing options without needing to book a desk space.
  • Remote access: if you can't visit our libraries in person, you can still access a wide range of services and resources remotely.

Help

If you have further questions or need any help, please contact the individual library or email reader.services@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

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