Library & Archives

Promoting academic excellence and scholarly research, the All Souls College Library and Archives play a vital role in the daily life of the College by supporting the research interests of the College community, members of the University of Oxford, and researchers from across the globe.

Housed in the original, 18th-century building designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, the All Souls College Library is home to a collection of c.200,000 volumes, of which 65,000 are Special Collections items. It is also the location of the College Archives, which offers a rich collection of material relating to the history of the College, including estates records dating from the 12th century. The Grade I listed building provides a unique resource to College members, as well as to the wider academic community who require access to both the Library’s and the Archives’ collections.

Reader Services, All Souls College Library, Oxford

Information for Readers

A manuscript page with a illuminated and gilded initial Q containing an illustration of an armoured figure beheading several other figures wearing white robes and blue cloaks.

Special Collections

Legacy

Copperplate engraving of several ships at anchor in the background, with a single figure in a canoe in the foreground.

Digital Resources

William Blackstone statue, All Souls College, Oxford

Meet the team

FAQs

Is the Library open to the public?

The Library is open only to members of the College, registered Readers, and by prior appointment to researchers requiring access to the Library’s and/or Archives’ collections. The Library is not open to the public, except for occasional College events which may include Oxford Open Doors every other year. Members of the public wishing to visit the Library should check the Oxford Open Doors page on the Oxford Preservation Trust website for upcoming events.

How do I become a Reader?

All Souls College Library is open by application to anyone with a serious interest in its collections, including: all current members of the University of Oxford; researchers and students from other academic institutions; and independent researchers. Details on how to apply can be found in ‘Apply to be a Reader’.

When is the Library open to Readers?

Readers can use the Library during the Library's opening hours, which vary each term. The Library is not open outside term time, or at weekends. Please see the ‘Information for Readers’ page for current opening hours.

Can I borrow books from the Library?

Only Fellows of All Souls College are permitted to borrow books from the Library. Readers and external researchers who require access to books from the Library’s modern collections can consult them in the Library on a reference-only basis. Please see Modern Collections for more information on how to request books.

I’m a registered Reader but I have a new Bodleian card. What should I do?

Registered Readers who have received a new physical Bodleian card since their last visit to the Library will need to book in for a Card Activation Appointment to have their new card put on the door access system. Please note that these appointments can only be booked from Noughth Week onwards each term, and are only available during term time.

How do I consult Special Collections material?

To consult Special Collections material, please email special.collections@all-souls.ox.ac.uk indicating what material you would like to see, and the nature of your interest in it. Please also include the shelfmark information and the SOLO permalink for each item (if available). A member of Library staff will then contact you to arrange an appointment to view the material, subject to its availability and condition. Please note: you do not need to be a registered Reader to access Special Collections material.

How can I access the College Archives?

Enquiries should be sent to archives@all-souls.ox.ac.uk. Access to archival material is by appointment only. Please see the Archives page for more information. Please note: you do not need to be a registered Reader to access Archival material.

Can I request or reproduce images of Library material?

You can request images of Special Collections material using the Library’s online form or by emailing special.collections@all-souls.ox.ac.uk. Please allow at least two weeks for a request to be processed, and large sets of images may take longer. Material which has already been fully digitised can be found on the Library’s digital resources site, and these images can be reproduced (with attribution to the College) unless otherwise noted.

To request scans from modern materials for private study and research, please see Scan & deliver.