The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) is the University's main science lending and reference library. It holds a vast collection of printed and online resources that are accessible through SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online), the University's online library catalogue.  

Its services and collections are currently housed in the Vere Harmsworth Library, at the American Institute while its building is being renovated until Summer 2021.

 For current opening hours and revised services due to Covid-19 please visit the Bodleian Coronavirus Services latest updates 

Contacting the Library

Find the library in 1A South Parks Road OX1 3UB, in the American Institute, in the science area, next to Rhodes House building  (5 minute walk from the Department of Pharmacology)

Email us at  enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Or telephone: +44 (0)1865-272800.

Visit the library homepage at https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/science/rsl-at-vhl

To access Oxford's e-journals, e-books and databases off campus:

Use your Single Sign On. Go to SOLO and click on Oxford Single Sign On (top right). For most of our e-books and e-journals this is all you need.

What about VPN (Virtual Private Network)? Only necessary for a few library resources. With VPN you can access the University network as if you were on campus. Register with Oxford IT Services.

For further information see the Bodleian Libraries remote access guide.

This Guide tells you about resources available through the Bodleian Libraries to help support learning, teaching and research in Biochemistry at Oxford.

Your Subject Librarian, Karine Barker, is based at the Radcliffe Science Library. Please contact for help & information on

• Library services & resources.
• Literature searching.
• One-to-one or group training on e-resources such as subject databases and reference management.
• Keeping up-to-date with developments in your field.
• Book and Journal recommendations for library purchase.
• open access enquiries.

The Science & Medical Libraries are published in the MSD divisional e-newsletter, Oxford Sci News newsletter.    Issues include upcoming training and events, new acquisitions, updates on project developments, updates on online resources and useful reminders for busy researchers and students.

If Oxford doesn't have the article or book you want, get hold of it with our Document Supply service.