The Library

Oxford has outstanding libraries both in its central Bodleian library and in each of its Colleges. This means that undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines have unrivalled access both to printed resources and to the finest electronic journals databases and archives in the world.

At Blackfriars our own library specialises in theology and philosophy, with over 35,000 volumes. There is a strong holding in Patristic literature, Scripture, and books and journals on the thought of St Thomas Aquinas.

• A computer catalogue allows one-stop searches for works in this and libraries of the central University (Faculty Library and Bodleian Library). There are four computer stations linked to the electronic databases and resources of the Hall and University, while a Wi-Fi network covers the library and JCR, enabling you to connect your own laptop to these services.
• A photocopier is provided for your academic use in accordance with copyright law.  PIN codes for operating the copier are provided by the Bursar.
• Information on the ‘Book Buyback Scheme’ for finalists can be found here.

Finding Resources

[L] indicates that access is limited to Oxford University card holders.

• The SOLO Library catalogue covering the majority of the library collections of the University of Oxford, including the Bodleian Libraries, most College and other libraries affiliated to the University.
• OxLIP+ is a list of databases by title and subject. OxLIP+ also includes cross-searching of databases and personalised features (My Research). [L]
• Oxford University e-Journals. Access to the e-Journals to which the University subscribes. [L]
• Oxford University Research Archive (ORA). A digital repository of research publications produced by members of the University. See also ORA Help & Information.
• Theses. Information about searching for, requesting or acquiring theses from Oxford and other Universities in the UK and worldwide.
• OXAM Browse University of Oxford examination papers online, 1999 – present. [L]
• Google Scholar with Oxford full text linksLinks to full text of available articles generated automatically for University of Oxford users. [L] (If outside the University’s network, set Oxford as member library in Scholar Preferences.)

Library Access and Rules

1. Access to, and use of, the Blackfriars library is restricted to those authorised by the Prefect of the Library.
2. It is an offence to admit anyone into the Library not so authorised by the Prefect of the Library.
3. It is an offence to bring food (including chewing gum) or drink of any kind (including water, bottled or otherwise) into the Library.
4. It is an offence for a student to remove or attempt to remove books from the Library except those designated as available for loan and which have been issued in accordance with the rules of the library.
5. It is an offence to deface or damage a library book in any way, e.g. by making marginal notes or under-linings, or by removing pages or parts of pages.
6. If a student sets off the security-system when entering or leaving the library, he or she is required to co-operate with the Librarian, Moderator, or any other senior member of Blackfriars Hall, Studium, or Priory in identifying the item which has activated the alarm
7. Mobile (cell) phones must be switched off and those who wish to talk should go to the JCR or a public place outside the building.
8. Computers in the Library are to be used only for academic work, not for for emailing or for leisure activities.
9. Personal belongings other than those needed for a reader’s work may not be brought into the Library.
10. Reader’s books, papers, and other items left in the Library must be covered by a signed and dated note. Items not covered by such a note or left for more than three days will be removed. All personal materials should be kept in a reasonably tidy fashion. If, in the Library Administrator’s judgement, an excessive amount has been left on desks or items have not been reasonably tidied, items may be removed and a fine or fines imposed.
11. Laptops may be used in the Library only at the owner’s risk. Students are warned that the mains power supply is not surge-protected. Laptops must never be left unattended.
12. In Trinity term, Blackfriars Hall students preparing for their Final Exams have priority of use of computers in the Library gallery.