The Library and Archive welcomes visitors and researchers who would like to use the collections we hold.
The material we have is housed in different collections depending on its subject, age and historical significance. The modern 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). 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 Special Collections and Archival material.
Oxford University members:
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.
External researchers:
We welcome researchers and other interested individuals who would like to use our Special Collections and Archives. Please contact us to make an appointments to access any items you would like to see. Opening hours for visits to Special Collections and the Archives is 9 am-12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. We may be closed to visitors at various points throughout Term due to busy or exam periods and in Vacation due to College closures or other events. 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.
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 and so have an allocated reading space in the Library office on the ground floor, an accessible toilet for wheelchair users, and can provide a fetching service.
