Borrowing from the History Faculty Library

A student pulls a book off a bookshelf

Who may borrow?

All members of the University are automatically pre-registered as members of the library.

Most of the History Faculty Library collection can be borrowed, except items indicated on SOLO as ‘Use in Library Only’. All other material in the Radcliffe Camera (including the Lower Gladstone Link) is for reference only and may not be borrowed.  

How to borrow

Borrowing allowances and loan periods

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

Short loans

A small number of heavily used items can be borrowed for up to 2 days during term. You can only borrow 5 short loan items at a time and these are included in your borrowing allowance. 

Vacation borrowing

Vacation borrowing for most items begins on Monday of 8th Week each term. Books will be issued until the Monday of 1st week of the following term. 

Renew and return

  • Items will be renewed automatically, where possible.
  • You can renew items manually online using SOLO, or by phone (01865 277262) or email: library.history@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
  • Always return items borrowed from the History Faculty Library to the Radcliffe Camera via the returns box in the foyer or to a member of staff at the desk.

Lost books

If you have lost an item borrowed from this library, you must report it to a member of library staff at the issue desk or by email (library.history@bodleian.ox.ac.uk), giving the author's name and title of the book, your name and any additional information. On receiving notification of your lost item, we will contact you within 3 working days (Monday – Friday) to confirm that we are dealing with this matter and will draft an invoice for the cost of the missing book. Once the invoice has been settled, the item will be removed from your library account and any blocks removed. The library does not accept replacement copies of books in lieu of payment.

You may pay for lost items online by credit or debit card. If your payment is made outside of weekday library opening hours, there may be a delay in this charge being removed from your library account.