Oxford University Libraries
Oxford meets the needs of its students, academics and the international research community with a wide range of library services provided by more than 100 libraries, making it the largest library system in the UK.
Bodleian Libraries
The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford form the largest university library system in the United Kingdom. At its heart is the Bodleian Library, a legal deposit library for over 400 years, alongside more than 30 libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries as well as faculty, department, and institute libraries. Together, the Bodleian Libraries hold over 12 million printed items, more than 80,000 e-journals, and exceptional special collections, including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art, and printed ephemera. Members of the public can explore these treasures through the Bodleian’s online image portal or by visiting the exhibition galleries at the Weston Library. As part of the Oxford University Libraries system, these resources continue to support students, researchers, and the global academic community.
The Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library serves as the University of Oxford’s main research library and is also a legal deposit library. It ranks as the second-largest library in the United Kingdom, after the British Library. For more information, you can visit the Bodleian Library’s official website.
Bodleian Libraries Database
Comprehensive catalog of Oxford University's Bodleian Libraries system - the largest university library network in the United Kingdom
Access & Borrowing
- Search Oxford Libraries Online (SOLO)
- Borrowing and reserving items
- Online and remote access
- Scan & Deliver service
Research Support
- Subject librarians consultation
- iSkills workshops and tutorials
- Bodleian Data Service
- Group study rooms
Technical Services
- Print, copy, and scan services
- Library Wi-Fi and computers
- Imaging Services
- Accessible Resources Unit (ARACU)
Academic Resources
- Theses and dissertations access
- Exam paper archives
- Reading lists management
- Getting started guides
Oxford University Research Archive (ORA)
University's institutional repository
OxLIP+ Database Portal
Gateway to electronic resources
OU E-Journals
Electronic journal collection
Digital Bodleian
Online image portal
SOLO Search
Main library search engine
Special Collections Online
Rare and unique materials
Oxford University Libraries
Oxford Univeristy
Oxford University Libraries A-Z
The University of Oxford also features numerous departmental and museum libraries, including the Museum of the History of Science Library and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History Library. For a complete overview, you can find further information on all Oxford University Libraries.
Finding resources
SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online) is the primary search platform for accessing collections across Oxford University Libraries. It provides users with information from over 100 libraries, including approximately eight million bibliographic records and more than 13 million item records. SOLO offers a comprehensive, one-stop solution to quickly locate resources regardless of type, format, or location. This includes access to ORA (Oxford University Research Archive), OxLIP+ with over 800 e-resource databases, and OU E-Journals, featuring more than 28,000 electronic journals. The Single Sign-On system allows seamless access to subscription-based resources both on and off campus. For more details, you can visit the SOLO website or explore further guidance on finding resources at the Bodleian Libraries.