More about the Library

Most of the books in the working collection i.e. those used on a day to day basis, may be borrowed by current students, many for a whole term unless required by another reader. Students are encouraged to request titles they need that are not already in the library.

For current students the library provides connections to electronic resources available across the University using their Single Sign-on (SSO). This includes the library catalogue, SOLO. Prospective students are also able to browse the catalogue as a guest.

Our antiquarian books and manuscripts may not be borrowed but are available for consultation on request by emailing: library@bnc.ox.ac.uk

This delightful library is an inspiring, comfortable place in which to think and work. The three discreet areas each have their own spirit and unique appeal.

The upper floor of the Greenland Library, named the Del Favero Reading Room (or Main Library), was opened in 1664, and was restricted to use by Fellows of the College until 1897. It is on the first floor above a former cloister and is an impressive room with a painted barrel-vaulted ceiling and expansive views of the Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College. This light and airy space is divided into sixteen bays, each for 2 people with individual desk lamps, USB ports and power sockets.

The History Library holds the modern history and politics collections and is reached by a short staircase leading from the Del Favero Reading Room. It was opened in 1951 and features two Tudor chimneys which were uncovered after a fire in 1950.  It has an almost attic-like feel and is loved by those who prefer not to be distracted by the magnificent views from the Main Library. It is conveniently close to the printer and librarians’ offices, and each desk has power sockets and USB ports.

Beneath the Del Favero Reading Room, linked by a wonderful spiral staircase, sits the Smith Reading Room. The library expanded into the cloisters in 2017 to a fabulous design by architects Lee Fitzgerald, creating many more reader places. By exposing the original flagged floor and stripping off the paint to reveal the stone, the cloisters has been restored and reimagined to benefit the college community for years to come.   In addition to the books shelved in this amazing old cloister there are large desks (some height adjustable) equipped with power and USB ports, a cosy casual seating area and a collaborative study room containing a large iBoard tablet for student use. The Smith Reading Room holds the physics, chemistry, maths and computing, engineering, geography, biological sciences (including medicine), music and art collections.

Separate from the Greenland Library, but included under the umbrella of the Brasenose Library, is the Stallybrass Memorial Library, named after a former Principal. This houses the College’s law collections and is situated in New Quad, close to the JCR. The smaller inner room tends to be for silent study whereas and outer room is more suitable for quiet discussion. It has its own printer/photocopier and desks have been upgraded to provide power and USB ports.