Libraries

I couldn't manage as a writer without the two libraries in Oxford since I cannot afford (or even find) all the books I want to use for my research. I am very fortunate to have the Bodleian Library almost on my doorstep. It is not, of course, open to just anybody, since it is the main research library of the University of Oxford. In addition, it is also a Copyright Deposit library, which means that a copy of every book published in England, should be given to its collection.

The Library was the creation of Sir Thomas Bodley, a scholar of Merton College and a diplomat for Queen Elizabeth I. The original University library was destroyed and dispersed in the wake of the Reformation. After almost 50 years without a library for the University, Bodley undertook to refit the Old Library rooms and restock its shelves, using his own extensive collection of books and manuscripts. He enlisted the help of friends, then raised loans and private subscriptions, and finally on 8 November 1602 (1), the Library, now named for its chief patron, was formally opened. The Bodleian became a Copyright Library in 1610, when Bodley made an agreement with the Stationers' Company in that they would undertake to send to the Bodleian a copy of every new book which they published. This agreement made the Bodleian virtually a "deposit library" 150 years before the British Museum (now the British Library) was founded. These days the Bodleian holds more than seven million volumes which are housed in a variety of buildings across Oxford. Those who are not members (ie staff or studnets) of the University of Oxford have to apply to gain access to its collection and if your application is granted, you are then required to pay a fee for a Reader's Ticket. Currently the annual fee is £25 - and although this is not a modest sum for an independent scholar, it is a small price to pay for access to such an enormous collection of materials. The Library is running a 400th anniversary campaign to bring the buildings and services it offers into the 21st century, and I cannot disagree with the necessity for the campaign.

The other library which I use is Oxford's Central Library. The building is not very picturesque, but the staff are friendly and helpful, and I believe in supporting the public library services. The Public Libraries Act of 1850 was responsible for the development of the British public library system, and I often find it amazing that public libraries are still going in Britain. Of course, they have to compete for funding, like all public services, which is why I am happy to pay for Inter Library Loans, or for reserving (and fetching) books from around the county.

(1) My birthday, although I wasn't actually around then, you understand ! :-D