Libraries in Oxford

Libraries in Oxford

Few places on Earth possess the amount and range of academic resources that you can find in Oxford. In addition to over a  hundred libraries, there are far more electronic resources available to you here, as full members of Exeter College, than at Williams. Your University ID Card will allow you to enter the Bodleian Library and most faculty libraries on the same terms as matriculated Oxford undergraduates. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the orientation tours of all libraries you're interested in at the start of the year.

The organization of libraries in Oxford can be baffling, but information on all resources in the majority of Oxford libraries is available from SOLO (https://solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk). In terms of the University alone, there are three distinct groups of libraries. First and foremost is the Bodleian, which consists of the main library (located in several buildings) and a number of dependent libraries. In addition to the Bodleian, each college has its own library, primarily for the use of the undergraduate and graduate students at that college. Finally, there is a large number of specialist libraries, many of which are linked to the particular Faculties of the University (the equivalent of American academic departments). Once you arrive in Oxford, libraries will be explained in more detail and you will receive a University of Oxford Library Guide for Students. On-line guides are available at http://LibGuides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Norms of behaviour and expectations in library spaces are different than at Williams. There is very little chatting, sleeping, staking out carrels, and definitely no eating in Oxford libraries. Some libraries allow you to bring your own cup (with a lid) for hot drinks. 

Don’t lend your card to anyone to enter a library or check books out, and don’t use anyone else’s card. 

General Library Tips

• Be aware that you might be one of many students taking a tutorial at one time – if you wait to find your books until late in the week, close to the time when your essay is due, you run a real risk of not being able to get them! Look ahead and check your reading lists early and often. 

• Some libraries close very early on weekends (around 4 or 5 pm) – keep this in mind when you’re planning your work time.

• Some Bodleian libraries lend books, some don’t. Your books can be renewed online via your account on SOLO – it keeps track of the Bodleian library system (the Bod and faculty libraries as well as most college libraries). SOLO can also cite all of your resources, a task which seems especially daunting at the end of an all-nighter.

• Oxford has a huge number of beautiful and unique libraries – take some time to explore and find out in which ones you’re most comfortable!

Past WEPO Student Tips

• Explore as many libraries as possible – there are so many hidden gems and each one has a unique flavour. China Centre and Musical Instruments are my two faves.

• Get familiar with SOLO ASAP, it’s very useful. It has everything you will need. If you’re ever stumped on how to approach an essay question, try looking up relevant key words on SOLO to find informative secondary sources.

• Explore the libraries early on so you have an idea of the resources available to you.

• Don’t be afraid to use the Oxford libraries. I was really intimidated for a while about going into some of them, like the Bod or the RadCam, but once I finally did, I wished I’d started going sooner.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help finding a book.

• The Vere Harmsworth is a very nice library.

• Christine can buy your course textbook if you want it for the WEPO library. Take advantage of this opportunity.

• Many sources are accessible online via SOLO, so don’t worry about having to find and check out physical copies from libraries.

• Even if you have a long day with lots of work, allow yourself to take little self-care breaks – make yourself tea, stretch, and take a walk, especially if it’s sunny.

• SOLO makes citations for you in whatever format you need.

• Try studying at the Taylorian – it’s an absolutely beautiful library in the Ashmolean.

• The libraries at Oxford have different vibes, but Exeter was my favourite because you were most likely to run into friends!

• The lower Gladstone link is a confusing hell – if you have books there, give yourself a little extra time to figure out how to find them or be prepared to ask for help!

• The English faculty library is a little far but very great, even just to check out books to read for fun (separate from class assigned books) – it has a great selection.

• It seems like a hassle, but the library tours during Freshers week are worth it.

• Make sure your water bottle is full before getting to the upper Rad Cam. The nearest water fountain is about 3 flights of stairs away (!!)

• It seems obvious, but get to the library early if you want to secure your favourite seat.

• Don’t leave checking out books until the last minute or you’ll be running around trying to find them.

• It’s good practice to look ahead on your syllabus and try to get as many as possible and renew them.

• I recommend requesting books in advance. Sometimes it takes longer than expected for them to come in, and procrastination can get you into trouble.

• If you cannot find it on SOLO and it’s too late to order through Christine, try the Williams library search requesting a pdf scan.

• Be prepared to go to random libraries to get books you need. (e.g. Social Sciences Library, Oxford Union Library, Vere Hamsworth, etc.)

The Bodleian Library

This is the main university library, a collection of international renown. It contains the majority of works ever published in Britain and a lot more besides. The Bodleian is not noted for its ease of use, and it will take you some time and patience to learn how it works. Books in the main Bodleian Library are not loaned to students and can only be read in the various reading rooms. Moreover, since the delivery of books from the stacks to the reading rooms can take a while, it is advisable to order books a few days before you need them (you may order books earlier in the day on which you would like to read them). Sometimes you will only need a section or chapter of a book. In this case you can request (via SOLO) a scan of that chapter be sent to your email. This is often faster than waiting for a book to be delivered from the stacks. The Bodleian has a good photocopying service and on-line catalogue (SOLO) and books may be ordered on-line.

The system consists of the main library and several specialist libraries—the so-called ‘Bodleian Dependent Libraries’. The main library is spread over several buildings, with various reading rooms in the Old Bodleian Library, the New Bodleian Library, and the Radcliffe Camera. The Bodleian Dependent Libraries include the following:

• Bodleian Japanese Library

• Bodleian Law Library

• Institute for Chinese Studies Library

• Oriental Institute Library

• Radcliffe Science Library

• Rhodes House Library (Commonwealth Studies)

• Theology and Philosophy Library

• Vere Harmsworth Library (American Studies)

Exeter College Library

All Williams students have full access to the Exeter College Library. Like all Exeter students, you will not have access to any other college’s library. This library contains a collection of books and periodicals mainly required for undergraduate work. The library is open to all students twenty-four hours a day and you may borrow books from the library, as well as work regularly in it. The Exeter librarians are very friendly and eager to help.

Ephraim Williams House Library

The Williams Exeter Programme Oxford (WEPO) Library collection has been built up in response to the specific needs of the Williams students and is being continually expanded. It complements the University libraries and Exeter College Library, and is open to all Williams students studying in Oxford, and to all Exeter students residing in EWH, and is open 24/7. It has WIFI access, computers, a printer, and desks, and is an excellent study space.

The Librarian – Christine Ellis – works part time for the Programme and is usually available in the Library on Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon. There is a student library assistant appointed every year who looks after Library matters in Christine’s absence.

The WEPO Library catalogue can be found at: http://web.williams.edu/apps/wepo/index.php and contains records for the collection with approximately 6,800 books. It is worth noting that the WEPO book collection is not part of SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online), the University Libraries catalogue, and it is always sensible to search the WEPO catalogue first in case the book you need is already in the WEPO Library.

There are floor plans attached to the library walls, to help you locate the books by their shelf marks. There is no restriction on the number of loans, but books will be recalled at the end of each term. To borrow a book just sign the card in the back of the book, and file it in alphabetical order by author in the box on top of the blue trolley (cart).

Please recommend books for purchase for the Library by emailing the details to the Librarian: cellis@williams.edu

Faculty and Specialist University Libraries

Throughout the University there are many special collections associated with Departments, Study Centres, etc. most of which are open to Visiting Students who may need to register in order to use that library. You will be advised each term of the Faculty Libraries and other specialist libraries that you may use that term in conjunction with your tutorial work. Some of these libraries loan books, others don’t; their hours vary, as do their policies—all of which are described on their websites. The more important faculty and specialist libraries that may be of use include: 

• English Faculty Library

• Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology Library – the Tylor Anthropology Library

• Latin America Centre Library

• Middle East Studies Centre Library

• Modern Languages Faculty Library

• Pusey House Library

• Sackler Library (Fine Arts and Ancient History) 

• Social Sciences Library

• Taylor Institution Library (Modern European Languages)

• Theology and Philosophy Faculties Library

• Department of Continuing Education

Other Lending Libraries in Oxford

Oxford Union Society (St. Michael’s Street). This is a lending library with extensive holdings in many of the tutorial subjects you will be studying (History, English Literature, Politics, Economics, etc.); it also has a full range of academic journals and periodicals in these subjects, and stunning Pre-Raphaelite paintings on the ceiling. If you elect to become a member of the Oxford Union at the start of Michaelmas Term for the entire academic year, you are authorized to use it. There is ample space on the premises for reading books, writing papers, etc.

Use of Williams College Libraries

As Williams College students, you remain entitled to use the Williams College library whilst abroad. You maintain access to digital resources, and can contact the Williams library in case you need any assistance.