*Corpus Library Special Collections are now closed to readers until the end of June 2026, and all access to the collections will remain extremely limited until Easter 2027.  

Library and Archives Staff will be undertaking the relocation of the manuscripts, early printed books and College Archives. During phase 1 (until of the end of June) that there will be no access to the Wright Special Collections Centre, and there will be delays in responding to research and reprographic enquiries.  Access to the collection will remain extremely limited for the remainder of 2026, and until at least Easter 2027.  Further updates will be included on these webpages. 

The Wolfson Special Collections Reading Room will re-open fully later in 2027 to enable researchers to consult the College's historic library and archive material in person. 

Applying for admission - not currently possible

Please email or write in advance to explain why you need access, as we cannot admit you without an appointment.

  • Graduate and undergraduate students must supply a letter (ideally on headed paper) from their supervisor or referee confirming they need access for their studies. Academics should arrange for or bring a letter of introduction.
  • Your application should include information about the material, such as shelf marks/call numbers for early printed books or catalogue numbers for manuscripts where possible. (Read about Catalogues and Special Collections.)
  • If you can view the material elsewhere and/or in another form (i.e. digital, microfilm), please explain why you need access to the physical item at Corpus.
  • Check below for details of planned library closures so you can request an appointment on appropriate days.
  • If you get an appointment, please read At Your Appointment (below) and ensure you bring correct ID.

The College reserves the right not to admit readers who don't satisfy the registration procedure.

Please note: Information regarding appointments and research requests is collected and processed according to the General Data Protection Regulation and associated data protection legislation.

APPOINTMENT TIMES - not currently available

Please note that during substantial collection moves, the Library and Archive email inboxes will not be monitored as frequently as normal.

Tuesday and Wednesday | 10 am to 4 pm (with an hour break for lunch)

Depending on staff availability, and access to buildings and the collections

Early Printed Books

Contact Library.Staff@ccc.ox.ac.uk

Manuscripts and Archives (staff are only at Corpus three days a week)

Contact Archives@ccc.ox.ac.uk

Please wait for us to confirm your appointment(s) before making travel arrangements.

Library and Archives annual closures 

  • Between Christmas and New Year (see also * above)
  • Over four-day Easter weekend
  • Two weeks in August for stock check and maintenance

At your appointment

Please arrive on time and bring photo ID, plus proof of your signature and residential address.

  • Passport, national/state ID card or driving licence
  • Alternative ID such as British Library Reader Pass or County Archive Research Network (CARN readers’ ticket) can be accepted with additional proof of permanent address.
  • Institutional ID, including Oxford University and Bodleian cards, is not sufficient.
  • Academics should bring a letter of introduction.

We scan your ID and registration form, and keep the copies on a secure server. We cannot grant access until your registration form is completed, and your ID confirmed and scanned.