Information for Readers

This page contains information on the Library’s modern collections and day-to-day operations, including how to access the collections, how to apply for Readership, and what services are available. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please email the Library with your enquiry.

Modern Collections

The Library’s modern collections (material published post-1850) comprise c.135,000 volumes, and are particularly strong in the subjects of law and history, especially the history of Britain and early modern Europe, and military and naval history. The vast majority of the Library’s modern collections are catalogued and searchable on the University’s online catalogue, SOLO. Readers are welcome to request books from Library staff, and read them in the Library on a reference-only basis.

How to request books

If you are a registered Reader, please see ‘Current Readers’ for how to request books.

The Library is happy to arrange appointments for external researchers to consult modern books which are not held in another Oxford library that is accessible to them. This includes current members of the University of Oxford who are not registered Readers at All Souls Library. These appointments are subject to staff availability and the availability of material, and can be requested by emailing the Library via the button below. In your email, please provide the title, author and shelfmark of the book(s) you would like to see, as well as the SOLO permalink for each title.

Request a book

Scan & deliver

The Library offers a free scan and deliver service for material which is not held by, or available to be scanned by, the Bodleian Libraries, and is also not already accessible online or part of an e-book. Requests must comply with current copyright allowances. Please note that scan requests can only be made using the form below, and cannot be submitted via SOLO.

Request a scan

The Anson Room

The Anson Reading Room is the Library’s dedicated law reading room, but Readers from any discipline are welcome to use the study spaces in this area. This room houses the Library’s extensive law collection, and is one of the few open-shelf collections in the Library. The collection is classified by subject into the following areas:

English law
Jurisprudence
Legal history
Roman & canon law
European law (Anson Room Gallery)
International law (Anson Room Gallery)

Readers wishing to use this collection are welcome to fetch their own materials, but please do ask staff to help if you cannot find what you are looking for. Library staff are also happy to retrieve material on behalf of Readers that is shelved at higher levels and requires steps to reach it. Material in the Anson Room is available on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be requested in advance or put on hold for Readers by staff.

The Emden Collection

In 2012, the Library agreed to accept the substantial Emden Naval History Collection on permanent loan from St Edmund Hall. The collection is made up of c.2000 books, and is fully catalogued on SOLO. Items from this collection may be consulted on a reference-only basis by registered Readers, and by others via appointment. Information on how to request access to modern collections can be found at the top of this page.

The Legacy Collection (Hist.AA)

The Library actively collects books about Caribbean history and culture, the history of global enslavement, decolonisation, social movements relating to these subjects, and other associated topics, as a way of supporting research into legacies related to the Codrington statue and the Library. This collection can be browsed on SOLO by shelfmark, using the search term ‘Hist.AA’.

Periodicals

The Library subscribes to a range of law and history periodicals, including military and naval history periodicals (many of which are available as e-journals via SOLO). Please note that the Library’s holdings of periodicals are not fully catalogued on SOLO.

Apply to be a Reader

Unlike other Oxford college libraries, the All Souls Library is open by application to anyone interested in using its collections, including: all current members of the University of Oxford; researchers and students from other academic institutions; and independent researchers. Registered Readers of the Library gain access to the Library’s modern collections without needing an appointment, in addition to being able to study in the Library during opening hours.

If you have been a Reader in the last five years, you do not need to reapply to continue using the Library. However, you do need to renew your readership each academic year. Please see Current Readers for more information.

Applications from current members of the University of Oxford

Please note that applications for Readership for the academic year 2025-26 are now closed. The application form will reopen in September ahead of the next academic year.

Any current member of the University of Oxford is welcome to apply to become a Library Reader: this extends to both undergraduates and graduates, as well as to fellows, tutors, researchers, and staff from other colleges and departments. A statement of research interests and a short reference may be required.

Apply now - Oxford

External applications

Please note that applications for Readership for the academic year 2025-26 are now closed. The application form will reopen in September ahead of the next academic year.

Researchers and students from other academic institutions, and independent researchers, are also welcome to apply to become Readers. If you do not have a University of Oxford affiliation, please email reader.services@all-souls.ox.ac.uk or click the button below for the link to the appropriate Reader application form. Please note that a statement of research interests and a reference may be requested. Permission to use the Library may only be granted on a temporary basis, depending on research needs.

Due to safeguarding requirements, we cannot accept external applications from anyone under the age of 18.

Apply now - External

Current Readers

The information below is for registered Readers of the Library only. If you are not yet a Reader, but would like to become one, please see Apply to be a Reader instead. Please remember that by registering as a Reader at All Souls College Library, you are agreeing to abide by the Library Rules of Conduct.

Annual readership renewals

Readers are required to renew their access each academic year in order to continue using the Library. If you would like to renew for the current academic year, please use the correct form below. If you were previously a member of the University of Oxford, but are no longer affiliated, please use the form for external renewals. You only need to renew your readership once per academic year.

Renewal Request - Oxford Renewal Request - External

Please note that the renewal request forms will close at the end of Trinity Term each year, and will remain closed for the duration of the summer vacation. They will reopen for the new academic year in early September.

New/Replacement Bodleian cards

If you have received a new Bodleian card since last using the Library, you will need to have the new card added to the Library security system before being able to access the Library again. You can do this by booking a Card Activation Appointment. Please note that card appointments are only run during term time, and are only available to be booked from Noughth Week of each term. If you are looking at the calendar outside of term time and don’t see any available slots, please check again in Noughth Week.

How to request books

This information is for registered Readers only. If you are not a registered Reader, please see Modern Collections for how to access Library material.

The vast majority of the Library’s collections are in closed-access areas, and must therefore be requested from a member of Library staff. Requests can be made in-person at the Reader Services desk, or online using the Library’s book request form. To request a book, you will need to know the title, author, and shelfmark of the book, as well as the SOLO permalink (online requests only). Please note that book requests can only be made using the form below, and cannot be submitted via SOLO.

Request a book

Please allow a minimum of 24 hours for requests to be fulfilled. A confirmation email will be sent when the book is ready. Readers may also request books in person via a paper form, but Library staff cannot guarantee immediate availability of books. Please note that the Library is reference only.

Food, drink, and bags

No food or drink is permitted in the Library, except for still water in a clear plastic bottle with a secured lid, which must be left on the floor next to you. Metal, glass, or opaque water bottles can be left in the designated baskets provided in the anteroom; they must not be brought into the main Library. All bottles are left at your own risk.

Bags are permitted in the Library, provided that they have no food in them. The Library does not currently have any locker or storage facilities available.

Photography

Photography of the Library is not permitted (including selfies). This is to protect the privacy of other Readers, and to maintain a quiet and respectful environment for study. The Library hosts regular Open Days for members of the University when photography is allowed (usually 2-3 times per academic year).

Photography of pages in modern books is allowed, provided you follow copyright guidance (10% total of a book, or one full chapter, whichever is greater; one article from a journal issue). You are responsible for following copyright law, but Library staff are happy to offer advice if you are unsure.

Policy reminders

You are not allowed to bring guests or visitors in with you for any reason (only registered Readers are admitted), and please do not allow anyone to tail you into the building.
The Library is reference only – do not attempt to remove any books from the building.
Please be aware of and follow instructions from any posted notices you see on your way into the Library.
Any items you leave unattended in the Library are left at your own risk. Library staff are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Any Reader not following the rules may lose Reader privileges.

Lost property

Any items left behind in the Library at the end of each day will be cleared from desks and taken over to the Porter’s Lodge located on the High Street. They can be reclaimed from the Lodge when it is open. This excludes water bottles and umbrellas left in the Library anteroom, which stay there for the remainder of the week, and are then taken to the Lodge if not reclaimed by the weekend. Items taken to the Lodge are sustainably disposed of on a regular basis, so please reclaim them as soon as possible.

Facilities & accessibility

The All Souls College Library offers a range of facilities and resources for Readers and researchers, to support the needs of Library users. Any Readers with concerns or questions about accessing the Library are welcome to email with their query.

Accessibility

The Library staff are happy to assist Readers to visit the Library, or, in cases where that is not possible, to supply copies of the material(s) required. The Library is located on the ground floor, with mainly level access (there are two single steps for which ramps can be provided). There are two doors at the entrance of the Library which are not currently power-assisted. Readers with accessibility needs who wish to use the Library are encouraged to contact the Library staff in advance so that necessary assistance can be provided on their arrival.

Assistance animals are welcome in the Library.

Toilets

The main Library toilets are down one flight of stairs, with no lift available. There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, located behind a door which requires a Library key. Readers needing the use of this facility are welcome to sign a key out for the duration of each visit to the Library. Please note that this door is not currently power assisted, but Library staff are happy to help wherever necessary.

Study spaces

There are a total of 63 study spaces available within the Library, spread across two areas: the Great Library and the Anson Room. The Great Library is the main reading room, and has 39 seats: 23 are individual desks with sloped tops placed along the length of the Library, and 16 are standard bench desks located in the recess area. The Anson Room is the Library’s law reading room, with 24 bench desk spaces available. Readers from any discipline are welcome to use any available desk, provided it does not have a reserved sign on it.

Power socket access

Almost every desk in the Library has access to a power socket. In the Great Library these can be found on the floor next to the individual desks under brass metal covers. For any of the bench desks, they are hidden in the wooden capsules in the centre of the desks (to access them you just need to lift the lid up).

Please note: some modern plugs do not fit properly into these sockets. If your laptop charger falls into this category, adapters are available to borrow from the Reader Services desk.

WiFi

The Library offers access to the internet via the eduroam network. This network can be accessed by all students and staff of the University of Oxford, as well as members of other academic institutions who also use the eduroam network and therefore already have accounts.

Eduroam accounts must be set up in advance. For Oxford University students and staff, instructions for doing this can be found here:

How to connect to eduroam WiFi.

Members of other institutions should contact their own IT departments about setting up eduroam. Unfortunately the Library is unable to offer any other WiFi connection. Readers without access to eduroam are advised to bring a device with them to create a hotspot for their laptop.

Laptop and book stands

The Library has several laptop and book stands which are available to borrow from the Reader Services desk.

Printing

The Library does not have printing facilities for Readers.

Magnifying equipment

The Library has a handheld magnifying glass in addition to A4 magnifying sheets which can be borrowed from the Reader Services desk.

Ear plugs

To help mitigate the noise caused by the ongoing construction works in Hertford College, individually wrapped ear plugs are available in the Anson Room.

Rules of Conduct for Readers in the All Souls College Library

These rules are effective from 22 May 2026.

Scope

In these rules “material” means any material, including electronic material, owned by or in the possession or custody of the All Souls College Library.
All Readers in the All Souls College Library are deemed to be bound by the current rules of conduct.
For the purposes of these rules, “Reader” refers to anyone who successfully applied directly to the Library to use the collections and facilities, and has confirmation of registered status. “Visitor” refers to a permitted user of the All Souls College Library.
All Souls College Library Readership is not transferable. It is also not indefinite, and must be renewed annually. Readers who were previously registered may be asked to reapply if a period of five years or longer has elapsed since they last used the Library.

Admission and access to the Library

A University or Library card, registered and activated on the All Souls College door entry system, is required to enter the All Souls College Library.
The registered card is for the exclusive use of the individual to whom it was issued. Readers may not lend their card to anyone else for access to the Library.
A registered card must be carried at all times while using the Library and must be shown to any member of Library Staff who asks to see it. If a Reader does not show their card they will be asked to leave the Library.
Readers should inform Library staff of any changes to contact details when they renew access yearly. Should a Reader’s card be lost or stolen, they should inform the Library as soon as possible.
Readers must observe all rules and instructions relating to the introduction, deposit, and inspection of bags and cases. Any items left unattended in the Library are at the owner’s own risk. Library staff are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Readers must familiarise themselves with and observe the rules and procedures.
Registered Readers may not bring any guests or tour groups into the Library.
Children and young people under 18 years of age are not normally admitted as Readers.
Animals may not be brought into the Library, except for assistance dogs.
Readers must follow all emergency procedures, including evacuation in the event of a fire or fire drill.
Readers must leave the Library premises by the stated closing time.
Readers must follow all other reasonable requests made by Library Staff.

Consideration of others

Staff, Fellows, Readers, and visitors must be able to work comfortably in the All Souls College Library without disturbance to others and in an environment that is conducive to study. Therefore, Readers must:

Treat Library Staff, Fellows and other Readers with courtesy and respect at all times. Do not behave in a way that causes or is likely to cause inconvenience, annoyance, or offence to other Readers, visitors, Fellows, or members of Library Staff.
Not engage in the harassment of any other Reader, Fellow, member of Library Staff, or other visitor. All Readers must abide by the University Policy and Procedure on Harassment.
1. All Souls College has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual harassment. Any act construed by Library staff to constitute such harassment of any person using the Library, including other Readers, Fellows, members of Library Staff, or other visitors, will lead to immediate suspension of access to the Library.
Show due regard for their own safety and that of other Readers, Fellows, visitors, and Library Staff.
Not endanger the safety or well-being of any other Reader, Fellow, member of Library Staff, or visitor by engaging in disorderly, threatening, or offensive behaviour.
Consider other Readers and behave in a way that does not disturb them. Computers, mobile phones, pagers and other equipment must be on silent and sound from headphones must be inaudible to other Readers.
Not take photographs or videos in the Library, including selfies, except on advertised open days or scheduled public visits. For photography of Library material see nos. 29, special collections, and 33, modern material, below.
Not smoke or use other devices, including vapes or e-cigarettes, on the College premises. All Souls College operates a no smoking policy in all areas, including the external entrance to the Library. Smoking and use of other devices is strictly prohibited in the Library, following the University Statement of no smoking.
Treat as confidential any information, such as information about other Readers, which may become available to them through the use of Library facilities and which is not clearly intended for unrestricted dissemination; such information must not be copied, modified, disseminated, or used either in whole or in part without the permission of the All Souls College Library or other person or body entitled to give it.
Report any breaches or attempted breaches of these rules of conduct they observe to Library Staff and not intervene themselves.

Use of library material

All books in the All Souls College Library are reference only. No books may be removed from the Library by Readers or visitors.
The Law collection in the Anson Room is on open shelves. Readers may take material in the Anson Room off the shelves without the assistance of the Library Staff but they may not remove it from the Library.
Apart from material in the Anson Room, all other modern books must be requested from Library Staff. The request can be placed online in advance or in person when in the Library.
Special collections material is available by appointment only, which must normally be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance via email. Appointments are subject to a condition check and the availability of the material, as well as staff availability. Readers and visitors are permitted to take photos of special collections material during appointments.
Library material and equipment is the responsibility of a Reader at all times when they are using it, or until they have returned any requested items to the Library Staff. Readers must protect material or equipment issued to them and must not damage it or expose it to hazardous conditions.
Special collection materials must be handled in accordance with guidance from Library Staff.
Readers must familiarise themselves with and abide by the terms of all licence conditions and permissions when using electronic material owned by or in the possession or custody of the All Souls College Library.
Photographs/copies of pages of modern books are permitted provided they adhere to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the Legal Deposit Libraries (Non-Print Works) Regulations 2013 and as amended by any subsequent legislation. In practice, this means that Readers are allowed to copy or photograph one chapter or 10% of a work, whichever is greater; or one article from any one issue of a journal; or a poem or short story of up to ten pages from an anthology, as long as these are used for private study or research for a non-commercial purpose. Readers can request scans using the online form.
Readers must not use library facilities, including IT or network facilities, either for private profit or commercial purposes without specific authorisation from the All Souls College Library.
All Readers and visitors are bound by the University’s Computing Rules.
Readers must follow all specified procedures for taking material from the shelves, requesting, or downloading material.
Readers must not pass items requested by them to another person. Neither should they use items requested by another Reader.

Looking after library material

The Library, All Souls College, has a responsibility and duty to preserve its collections for current and future users. Theft or deliberate or reckless damage of Library material are criminal offences and may result in prosecution.
Readers must not write in, mark, or otherwise deface or damage Library material or equipment in any way.
No food or beverages are allowed in the Library, except for still water in a clear plastic bottle with a secured lid, left on the floor when not in use. No item that may risk damage to the building fabric or library material is permitted within the Library, including gum, sweets, cough sweets, mints, chewing tobacco, and oral nicotine pouches.

Breaches of rules of conduct

The purpose of imposing a sanction is to make clear to the Reader involved that a breach or an attempted breach of the rules is unacceptable, and/or to protect the wellbeing of Readers, Library Staff, and visitors and/or the material of the Library.
The All Souls College Library grants access to its facilities and services subject to acceptance by the Reader of the associated rules of conduct. Sanctions, including the withdrawal of access and services, may be imposed on Readers who breach or attempt to breach these rules. Further, the All Souls College Library may suspend access and services whilst allegations of breach or attempted breach of the rules of conduct are investigated and determined.
Readers are responsible for the costs of making good any materials lost or damaged by them, including administrative and replacement costs.
Readers are responsible for reimbursing the costs or charges, including administrative costs, incurred by the All Souls College Library through breach or attempted breach of these rules.
All All Souls College Library Staff have a responsibility to ensure that Readers and visitors abide by the rules of conduct and, if necessary, to report incidents to the Reader’s or visitor’s recommender, College, Department, or Faculty, as appropriate.

Opening hours

The Library is now closed for the summer vacation.

Any Readers who urgently require the use of books only held in Oxford at All Souls College should email Reader Services to enquire about an appointment.

Links

SOLO
Introduction to SOLO
Email the Library
All Souls College LibGuide
Connect to Eduroam