The Library at All Souls College is, like all Oxford college libraries, an independent institution. Its modern collections are particularly strong in law and history, especially the history of Britain and early modern Europe, and military history. Philosophy, sociology, and the history of science are also well represented.
The Library welcomes applications for admission (supported by a recommendation from tutor or supervisor) by law and history undergraduates, and graduate students of the University of Oxford. Junior members in other faculties may also apply for admission. The Bodleian card is in itself not sufficient to secure entry to the Library.
Opening Hours and Access Arrangements
The Library is open to readers from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6:30pm.
New readers should apply by completing this form.
Previously registered readers with a current SSO should complete this form to renew their access.
Previously registered readers without a current SSO (readers not currently affiliated with the University of Oxford) should complete this form to renew their access.
Previously registered readers who have a new Bodleian/University card or have not yet used the Library should book an appointment for card activation.
Please request in advance any Library books you need to use through the Library’s online request form. Books requested on the day may not be immediately available.
Remote Services
- Scan & deliver: anyone may make a request for material not available elsewhere, full details are on the form here.
The Library is also continuing to provide the following services remotely:
- General enquiries relating to access, holdings, services, research, etc are still being managed, though please note that answers requiring our access to physical collections may take longer than usual for us to answer.
- Special collections research (archives, manuscripts, early printed books): while visits may not always be possible, queries and image requests may be submitted by email; and it may also be possible to arrange “virtual” appointments via Teams.
For either of the above, please email the Library directly at library@all-souls.ox.ac.uk.
Most recent post:
"These Troublesome Times": All Souls College and the English Civil War
by Norma Aubertin-Potter.
The most recent additions to the Library's digital resources are the Hovenden Maps detailing the College's estates, surveyed at the request of Warden Robert Hovenden.
The Wren Drawings
After the death of Sir Christopher Wren's son, the College acquired almost half of the extant drawings, representing the full spectrum of Wren's career, including his work for the church, the crown, and the universities.