Who can use the Bodleian Law Library?
All current members of Oxford University (regardless of Faculty) with a valid University Card can use the Law Library. Former students (alumni) and visitors (researchers and students) from other universities are welcome to
apply for a Reader's Card from the
Admissions Office of the Bodleian. The website gives full details of the procedure.
Please note that due to licensing restrictions, a Bodleian Reader's Card does not include access to subscription databases for law, but you are welcome to use our materials in hard copy.
What are the opening hours of the Bodleian Law Library?
I am an Oxford alumna/alumnus, can I continue to use the Bodleian Law Library?
Welcome back! You need to apply for a Bodleian Reader's Card at the
Admissions Office of the Bodleian. Download Form A from that website, and take it (filled in) to the
Admissions Office (Weston Library, Broad St) in person when you are next in Oxford.
Please note that, due to licensing restrictions, a Bodleian Reader's Card does not include access to key subscription databases for law, but you are welcome to use our materials in print.
I am a visitor/member of another University, can I join the Bodleian Law Library?
You are welcome to apply for a Bodleian Reader's Card at the
The website of the Bodleian Admissions Office gives full details of the procedure, and enables you to download the necessary form(s) to fill in. Once in Oxford you must
apply in person with the completed form(s) (and any other ID and documents mentioned on the website)
at the Admissions Office in central Oxford (Weston Library, Broad St)
before coming to the Law Library.
Note: due to licensing restrictions, a Bodleian Reader's Card does not include access to subscription databases for law, but you are welcome to use our materials in print.
I have mobility problems, can I access the Bodleian Law Library?
Yes. The main entrance to the Bodleian Law Library is at second floor level via a set of 36 steps with two terrace breaks, but there is an alternative, step free route. An external ramp (to one side of the main external staircase) leads down to a ground floor entrance. Although for security reasons this door is kept locked, there is an intercom to contact the building reception staff for assistance and access. Please then use the St Cross Building's central public lift. If you are new to the building, go to Floor 1 and seek further asstance from the Reception Desk. If you already know the layout of the St Cross building, take lift to Floor 2 - then there is a step-free route via the cafetaria etc to the Law Library entrance. Our external doors open automatically, the library gates open when you apply your University or Bodleian Reader's Card to the pad. There are always library staff near to the gates ready to assist if there are any problems. Once you are in the Law Library there is a lift serving all four floors of the library.
I have lost my University Card, what should I do?
Follow the
procedure set by the University on their website. If you need urgent access to the Law Bod, please speak to a member of staff at the entrance. If you need access to other Bodleian libraries, the Admissions Office in the Weston Library on Broad Street can issue a day pass until your new University Card is ready for collection.
I have lost my Reader's Card, what should I do?
You will have to apply in person for a replacement card at the central Admissions Office of the Bodleian in the Weston Library, Broad St.
Use this link to the Admissions website to download the necessary form(s) and check details of the procedure. There will be a small charge.
My Reader's Card needs to be renewed, what should I do?
You will have to apply in person at the central Admissions Office of the Bodleian in the Weston Library, Broad St.
Use this link to the Admissions website to download the necessary form(s) and check details of the procedure.
Where are the Official Papers & EDC Collections?
Both collections are on Floor 0 of the Bodleian Law Library, St Cross Building, Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UR. This is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the historic Bodleian and Weston Library in Broad St. On this
Map from Daily Information (2007 pdf) the Library is at grid reference H3, the building called English & Law.