Using our special collections
special collections
We actively encourage the use of our rare collections and want our books to facilitate worldwide research.
Our library team is very accommodating and aims to fulfil all requests to view material as best we can. Appointments are usually made between 9am and 4pm Monday- Friday. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate viewings during the weekend.
Please email our library email address (library@bnc.ox.ac.uk) if you have any questions about our special collections or would like to request a visit.
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Students in a library examining a historic volume -
Historical manuscript scroll being photographed under studio lighting in a university library for digital preservation -
Open antique botanical book showing an illustrated plant drawing and Latin text on the opposite page. -
Open illuminated medieval manuscript showing Latin text in two columns with decorative initials and a small painted miniature -
Open illuminated medieval manuscript showing Latin text in two columns with decorative initials and a small painted miniature -
Illuminated medieval manuscript page with Latin text and a colourful miniature depicting a religious scene in blue and gold tones -
Open medieval manuscript with Latin text in two columns and a small hand-drawn elephant illustration in the lower margin -
Open Renaissance scientific book showing woodcut illustrations of miners working underground with Latin text on both pages -
Illustration of ancient Egyptian temple ruins with massive decorated columns and figures exploring the site -
Antique botanical illustration showing a plant with yellow and red flowers, caterpillars, and moths in detailed natural colour -
Antique natural history illustration of a crocodile and a brightly coloured snake in a detailed hand-painted scene
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Open antique book showing a woodcut illustration of a historic cityscape with Latin text above the image -
Open antique book displaying woodcut illustrations of an ancient cityscape with Latin text on both pages
New to requesting rare books or manuscripts?
We know it can be daunting requesting rare books or manuscripts for the first time, so we have created a brief leaflet of what to expect on your first visit to us or elsewhere. You can find it on our LibGuides page here.
