Collections and research
Introducing the Bodleian Libraries’ collections
The Bodleian Libraries is a network of 26 academic libraries across Oxford. The famous Bodleian Library, the cornerstone of this network, has been acquiring items from around the world for over 400 years. Collectively the libraries now hold over 13 million items.
Of these, over 1 million items are categorised as 'special collections'. This includes manuscripts and archives, rare books, printed ephemera, maps and digital collections. Special collections are an incredible resource for scholarship and engagement.
Search and use the collections
You can search most of our physical items and online resources through SOLO, the catalogue for the University of Oxford’s libraries. Resources available to all are marked as ‘open access’.
You can search our special collections using MARCO. You can also browse over a million special collections images on Digital Bodleian. Images for editorial use are available to buy from Bodleian Images.
Making a research visit
If you're not a member of the University and you'd like to consult items in person or use our subscription digital resources, you'll need to apply for a Bodleian Reader card.
You can consult items from our general collections in one of the Bodleian Libraries. Special collection items are held at the Weston Library and must be consulted there. Find out more about the access we provide to Bodleian Reader card holders.
Explore more collections
Research at the Bodleian Libraries
Research is vital to our stewardship of these important collections, and to the furthering of knowledge about art, society and the world around us.
As a network of academic libraries, we support research across the University of Oxford and beyond. We also lead research on our own collections, as an essential part of our role as stewards. This research is fostered through curatorial work, enquiries, projects and grants, often in partnership with other institutions worldwide. Our activities cover a wide range of subject areas and collection disciplines.
Research activities
Public engagement with research
Involving individuals, communities and society at large in our research is crucial to our mission.
This is a two-way process, with the aim of benefitting both the public and researchers, and ultimately enhancing the quality or impact of research.
We offer support for researchers in Oxford and beyond who want to engage the public with their research. As part of Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), we're well-placed to engage audiences and achieve impact through exhibitions, events and more.
We communicate our research to the wider public through exhibitions, lectures, conferences and workshops, as well as our website and social media channels. Recent public engagement projects have ranged from our popular exhibition Kafka: Making of an Icon to a Chinese collections show-and-tell.
Find out more about public engagement with research at the Bodleian Libraries.
