The Library and Archives welcomes visitors and researchers who would like to use the collections we hold.
Book collections
The material we have is housed in different collections depending on its subject, age and historical significance. The modern library collection, supporting the work of our students and staff, is housed in the Tate Library and is available for College members only. We may allow access to specific items by prior arrangements (email the Library). We are happy to help readers from other colleges within Oxford University if we hold a book not held in the University’s libraries or readily available elsewhere. We would normally allow reference only access to an item we hold, although we may lend in special circumstances. If copies of the item are held in a University, faculty or departmental library, readers should use the item there. Please contact us in advance to make an appointment to access any items you would like to see.
Much of our special collections and archival materials relates to Unitarian and Dissenting Studies and an appointment is needed to access this material. Please see here for more information relating to our published Special Collections material. The opening hours for visits to Special Collections are 9am-12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Please contact us to check opening hours and availability of resources before arrival to avoid disappointment and to allow us to retrieve items in advance.
Archives
We welcome researchers who would like to use our Archives collections. Visits to the Archives must be arranged in advance. Please see our Archives page for more information.
Accessibility
There are two steps at the entrance to the main building. We can provide directions to level-access to the College if needed. The Tate Library is located on the first floor of an historic building without a lift but we are able to provide an allocated reading space on the ground floor, an accessible toilet for wheelchair users, and a fetching service.
