Covid Restrictions and Opening Arrangements (updated 25th April 2022)

The Library is operating a reduced service owing to the current Coronavirus-related precautions, and not all staff have returned to onsite working. Requests to see material can be made via email.

Requests for scanning or images may be made for material not accessible elsewhere, but response times may be longer than usual.

Any enquiries should be made via email, and we will do our utmost to assist as best we can.

We will continue to review our access policies. All updates will be posted here.

Remote Services

  • Scan & deliver: anyone may make a request for material not available elsewhere, full details are on the form here

The Library is also continuing to provide the following services remotely:

  • General enquiries relating to access, holdings, services, research, etc are still being managed, though please note that answers requiring our access to physical collections may take longer than usual for us to answer.
  • Special collections research (archives, manuscripts, early printed books): while visits may not always be possible, queries and image requests may be submitted by email; and it may also be possible to arrange “virtual” appointments via Teams.

For either of the above, please email the Library directly at library@all-souls.ox.ac.uk.

On-Site Services

The Library will be open to registered readers from 10am-6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in full term (Monday 25th April Friday 17th June, 2022). Summer vacation dates and hours will be updated in due course.  

There is no longer any need to book a seat (and the seat booking system is no longer active).

Door access is already set up for Readers who have used the Library during THIS academic year (2021-2022).

The following readers need to book an appointment for their University/Bodleian cards to be activated for our door entry system  via the booking system

  • Any registered readers (who have applied and completed an induction, and who have received a confirmation email) who have not yet used the Library.
  • Any registered readers with new University/Bodleian cards.
  • Any registered readers who have not used the Library this academic year.

Modern books should be requested via the Library’s book request form in advance of a visit; books requested on the day may not be immediately available. Requests to see special collections material must be made well in advance with the Librarian in Charge by emailing library@all-souls.ox.ac.uk.  

Scans of modern materials may be requested through this form.  

The Library welcomes applications for admission as a Reader from any member of the University (students on taught courses need to obtain a recommendation from their tutor/supervisor, per the application form), as well as bona fide researchers. New readers may apply here.  

Previously Registered Readers do not need to re-submit an application form.

The Library is reference only.