Library

The Union Libraries

Since its foundation, the Union has maintained a library for the use of its members. One of the largest lending libraries in Oxford, it is of particular relevance to students studying Classics, English, History, Law, PPE and Theology. In recent years, the Science section has been expanded. The library takes a number of academic journals and has a significant reference collection, which would be of special interest to researchers on 19th Century Britain.

In addition, the Union has a good collection of  contemporary fiction and an up-to-date selection of travel guides.  There is a wide-ranging stock of DVDs including general release films, TV series, world cinema, period drama and animation.  The Library also stocks the quality newspapers and a broad range of magazines, such as the Economist, History Today, Cosmopolitan, Country Life, Private Eye, the Spectator, New Statesman, New Scientist, Time, Newsweek and Vogue.

The Library catalogue

About 50% of the Library's stock is on the University catalogue, OLIS and more is being added all the time. This includes all books bought since 2001 and also most textbooks, fiction, travel guides and other popular works. Older materials may be found using the card catalogue in Library Reception.

Library

Opening Hours

During term-time the Library is open Monday-Friday 9:30am-7:00pm, Saturday 12:00 noon-4:30pm.

During vacations, the Library is normally open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm.  The exceptions are a week at Christmas, a week at Easter and two weeks following the August Bank Holiday, when the Union buildings are closed. 

The Union Library follows the University term dates for Full Term, plus one week at either end of each term.

Any changes to opening hours will be posted on the Union noticeboard - ring the General Office (01865-241353) or email the Library for details.

The Library Staff

The Library is officially headed by the Librarian, who is a student elected every term. In practice, the day-to-day running of the Library is handled by Librarian-in-Charge Su Lockley, and Assistant Librarians Valerie Beautemps, Niels Sampath and Sarah Husband.