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Oxford University Libraries
The University of Oxford has over 100 libraries, nearly 40 of which comprise the Bodleian library system. Outside the Bodleian, the university has an abundance of other specialised libraries such as the Sackler Library, which holds classical collections. All colleges and most academic departments also run their own library.
The world famous Bodleian is Oxford's central research library. Founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in 1598 and opened in 1602, the Bodleian accommodates more than 11 million volumes on 190km (120 miles) of shelves, making it the UK's second-largest library after the British Library. Because the Bodleian is a legal deposit library (that is, it is entitled to request a free copy of every book published in the UK), its collection is growing by over five km (three miles) of shelving per year.
Its main central site consists of the Radcliffe Camera, the Old Schools Quadrangle, the Clarendon Building and the New Bodleian Building, all of which are connected by a tunnel beneath Broad Street.
Several other libraries, including the Bodleian Law Library, Indian Institute Library, Radcliffe Science Library and the Oriental Institute Library, also fall within the Bodleian’s remit.
The University of Oxford also maintains a number of
museums and galleries.
