Museum
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford is a museum.
About Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Overview
The Bodleian Libraries constitute a major research library system at the University of Oxford, comprising twenty-three libraries including the central University library. As of the 2021–2022 report year, the group cares for 13.5 million printed items and 28,293 metres of archives and manuscripts. The system is known to many scholars simply as 'the Bod' and serves as a legal deposit library, a status it has held for 400 years. The libraries are among the most celebrated in the world, not only for their incomparable collections but also for their historic buildings, some of which have remained in continuous use since the Middle Ages.
History & Founding
The origins of the Bodleian trace back to the University's first purpose-built library, begun around 1320. In the 15th century, Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester, donated over 281 manuscripts, leading to the construction of a new library over the Divinity School, opened in 1488. This library was destroyed in 1550 during the Reformation when books were removed and burnt. The library was rescued by Sir Thomas Bodley (1545–1613), a diplomat and Fellow of Merton College, who refurbished the old library and reopened it on 8 November 1602. Bodley established the legal deposit tradition in 1610 through an agreement with the Stationers' Company, ensuring a copy of every book published in England would be deposited there.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The collections have grown from the initial donation of 281 manuscripts by Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester, to include over 13 million printed items. Significant historical additions include the gift of 8,000 books by John Selden in 1634. The library historically housed a diverse range of items beyond books, including pictures, sculptures, coins, medals, and 'curiosities' such as a stuffed crocodile from Jamaica. By 1849, the collection had expanded to an estimated 220,000 books and 21,000 manuscripts. The library's policy of not lending books, even to King Charles I in 1645, ensured the preservation of these unique holdings within the building.
Significance & Legacy
The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second largest in Britain, after the British Library. Its significance lies in its continuous operation as a research library since 1602 and its role as a legal deposit library, which has allowed it to accumulate a comprehensive record of English publishing. The library's buildings, including the Divinity School and the Radcliffe Camera, are architectural landmarks that have housed scholars for centuries. The tradition of non-lending and the preservation of rare manuscripts and early printed books have made it a vital resource for scholars from around the world, attracting an increasing number of visitors and researchers.