Bodleian library, University of Oxford


Bodleian library, University of Oxford (Special Collection Reading Room at Radcliff Science Library)


Date of Trip: June 2014


Source: Takahiro Yamamoto, t.yamamoto1@lse.ac.uk
 

 

Location: Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG UK
 

 

Getting Started: The first thing you need to do is register as a reader and get a card (http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/using-this-library/getting-a-readers-card). The application can be processed at Old Bodleian Library, near Radcliff Camera. The Special Collection Reading Room where they have Western manuscripts is located in a different building: Radcliff Science Library, a short walk from Old Bodleian Library. Enter from Parks Road, and once you swipe the card and get into the library, find a staircase on your right across the service counter. The special collection reading room is two levels below. Keep your bag in a locker (you will need one pound coin).


How to get there: From London, I usually take a bus (Oxford tube) from Victoria, which runs every ten minutes or so. You can buy the ticket from the driver on the spot, and the price is the same with the pre-booked ticket. Student day return ticket from London is 13 pounds. You can also get on/off at Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, and Shepherd's Bush. Once in Oxford, get off at Queen's Lane/High street.
 

 

Language: English
 

 

Opening hours: Term time: 9am-10pm for weekdays, 10am-4pm on Saturdays. During the holidays they are 9am-7pm on weekdays and 10am-2pm on Saturdays.
 

 

General working conditions: You are allowed to check out one box at a time. Each time you simply tell the archivists which box or files you want and they will bring it to you. Wifi is available through Eduroam. The reading room has very good reception.
 

 

Consultation: If you already have a Bodleian library card, I recommend giving a phone call prior to your visit. You tell them the ref no for  up to 10 documents and they will reserve it for you. Otherwise you can fill in the request slip in the reading room. They will collect the documents every hour.
 

 

Policy on technology: Laptops and cameras allowed, though photographing restrictions seem to vary on documents.
 

 

Particularities: The room could be cold due to A/C.


Etc: A sandwich bar at the corner of Holywell St and Mansfield Rd (The Alternative Tuck Shop) serves good, value-for-money quick lunch. If you want something proper, a pub called King's Arms is found nearby.