Information for Visitors

Visitors and external readers are admitted by appointment only.

The library is primarily for the students, academics, and staff of Harris Manchester College. We can accommodate external researchers in special circumstances by prior arrangement only. Borrowing may be permitted on occasion, depending on the condition and usage of the item. We will not lend core text books or reading list items which are in high demand among our own students. Pre-1800 material and manuscripts are available on a reference basis only. The Library belongs to the British Library Inter-Library loans scheme, through which requests can be made (Code: OX/U22)

Oxford University members:

We are happy to assist readers from other colleges within Oxford University, if we hold a book not held in the University’s libraries or readily available elsewhere. If copies of the item are held in a University, faculty or departmental library, readers should seek it there. All Bodleian readers may recommend a book for purchase, and students may also ask their own college librarian.

External researchers:

We are always keen to receive genuine researchers with an interest in using our Special Collections and Archives.

Opening hours for visitors:

Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.

The library is normally staffed and able to accept visitors during these hours. We may be closed to researchers at various points throughout Term due to busy or exam periods and in Vacation due to College closures, stock-checks or other events. Please contact us to check opening hours and availability of resources before arrival to avoid disappointment and enable us to prepare any assistance required.

Accessibility

There are two steps at the entrance to the main building which can be accessed by visitors with reduced mobility via removable ramp. Please contact us before your visit to to allow us to prepare this. The Tate Library is located on the first floor of an historic building without a lift and as such we have allocated reading space in the Library office on the ground floor, an accessible toilet for wheelchair users, and can provide a fetching service.