Students at other universities applying for a Bodleian Reader card

The University of Oxford is not currently a member of the SCONUL Access Scheme. However, for the duration of their studies (maximum 4 years at a time), we offer free, reference-only access throughout the year to research postgraduate students at UK public universities or institutions that are members of SCONUL. We also offer access during vacations only to undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at those institutions. The same rules apply for students whose universities receive public funding but are not members of the SCONUL Access Scheme.

Make a Bodleian Reader card application

1. Download and complete the application form, including the statement of research need.
2. If you wish, you may pre-order material before applying for a Bodleian Reader card.
3. You must come to the Admissions Office to make your application. Please bring your completed application form and ID documents with you. If you would like our office to print out your completed application form and hold it under your name, please email it to admissions@bodleian.ox.ac.uk at least 2 working days (Monday – Friday) before your visit.
4. Find out more about our opening hours, and read our guidance on arriving at the office.

Bring the following proofs with you when you come to Admissions (please do not email us photos or scans)

One proof of identity in their original format:

• passport*
• photo driving licence*
• national identity card*
• bank card
• credit card
• photo bus pass
• Police/Customs/Home Office/Warrant Card

One proof of permanent home address (not term time address) in hard or electronic copy, dated within six months of the current application being made:

• utility bill (electricity, gas, internet, telephone, water)
• bank statement
• credit card statement
• building society statement
• payslip (where both the employer’s and the employee’s addresses are stated)
• Council Tax bill
• TV licence

One proof of student status:

• valid student card showing your student status and end date of academic affiliation
• signed letter on official letterhead from your supervisor/tutor or Faculty/Department supplying this information

*These documents can be used both proof of identity and proof of permanent home address, where the address has been officially printed.

Cost

• Students from public institutions are eligible for a free Bodleian Reader card.
• Students from private institutions will need to pay our standard admission costs.

Library access granted

All Bodleian Reader card holders get reference-only access to printed material in the Bodleian Libraries. They do not have borrowing privileges or remote access to subscription electronic resources.

Undergraduates and taught postgraduates

You can only access the Bodleian Libraries during our vacation periods

Research postgraduates

This includes PhD or MRes students, including MPhil students on production of a letter on official letterhead and signed by their supervisors.

You have access to most of the Bodleian Libraries throughout the year and vacation-only access to the remaining libraries.

If the material you wish to consult is only available in a vacation-only library, you may contact the relevant library to arrange possible term-time access in order to consult the specific item.