Using the History of Medicine Library

Admission

  • The library welcomes new and existing readers to use its collections and services. New users must contact the library in advance to arrange their first visit.
  • Staff, students and visitors of the Centre for the History of Science, Medicine and Technology (CHSMT) are welcome to use the History of Medicine Library's collections and study space.
  • All non-CHSMT users must bring photographic proof of identity (eg Bodleian Reader card or ID card from home academic institution) to enter the centre.   
  • Users will need to ring the bell at the front door and wait for a member of CHSMT staff to let them in. You must show ID and sign into the building's visitor book.
  • Find out more about how to apply to become a Bodleian Reader.

General information

  • The Bodleian Libraries Regulations and Rules of Conduct apply in this library.
  • The library is for reference use only; items cannot be borrowed.
  • You may only consume bottled water and hot drinks in KeepCups in the library. The centre’s kitchen is available for library users to take a break.  
  • Both reading rooms have Wi-Fi and power points so you can use your own laptop.
  • To use our Wi-Fi and library PCs, you will need a University or Bodleian Reader card.
  • You may use personal cameras to photograph library material. Copyright limits apply. Ask staff for book stands and weights if you need them.

Layout and classification

  • Two classification schemes are used in the library: Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and National Library of Medicine (NLM) Classification. Both schemes are subject-based and can be browsed easily.
  • Most books are classified using the LCC scheme, and these are housed in Library Rooms 1 and 2. The rest are classified using the NLM scheme (the shelfmarks are mainly Qs and Ws) and can be found upstairs in the Resources Room.