Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about using the Library then please e-mail us at
. Some answers to the more frequently asked questions are set out below.
Can I see the Upper Library?
Members of Christ Church may visit the Upper Library, and may bring a small number of guests, when there is a member of staff available to supervise. To avoid disappointment it is best to come on Monday mornings between 9.30 and 12.30 or Friday afternoons between 2.30 and 4.30. If you wish to visit at other times, please arrange this beforehand.
Are there any toilets in the building?
There are toilets behind the door underneath the staircase at the end of the entrance hall.
Where is section XVI.2?
At the north end of the gallery in the East Library. Plans of the Library showing shelfmarks are on the noticeboards on the backs of the doors into the East and West Libraries.
Why can't I make my own photocopies?
Unfortunately, photocopying books places a large amount of stress on their spines as they are laid flat against the glass. The Library is keen to preserve the books it buys for students and has a specially designed photocopier which reduces the potential for damage to books.
If you would like part of a book photocopied then please fill out one of the forms available in the entrance hall and give it, together with the book, to a member of staff. Photocopying is usually done within a working day. The cost of seven pence a sheet is added to your battels bill.
This book's on my reading list; can the Library buy a copy?
If you think there is a book that will be of use to students then please do suggest it, using the book suggestions form. We will write to you to let you know once the book has arrived.
I need this book but another reader's had it for ages; can I recall it?
Yes. Any book which has been out to another reader for longer than a week may be recalled for you. Just ask a member of staff.
What does TAPA stand for on my reading list?
Transactions of the American Philological Association. Unfortunately there is no surefire method of expanding a cryptic abbreviation like this, but the staff will do their best to help. Alternatively, complain to the person who issued the reading list!
Does the Library have this periodical?
Lists of serials on open access in the Bodleian are available by each of the computers in the Library. These have been marked up with the shelfmarks of those periodicals held by Christ Church. You can also search for periodical titles on the catalogue in the normal way, which will tell you more information on which years we hold.
Can I borrow periodicals?
Bound volumes of periodicals may be borrowed for one week only; individual unbound parts may not be borrowed. You may not borrow periodicals during vacations. This is because periodical volumes must be returned within a day if requested, so they should not be taken out of Oxford.
How do I find out what books I have on loan?
You can view a list of your loans on the web by opening the Library catalogue on Heritage, clicking on Reder Info and typing your name.
Alternatively, in the main library building, you can view a list of your loans using the issues computer. Scan the barcode on your University card twice, or type in your surname then type it again. This brings up a list of the books you are recorded as having borrowed, together with the dates by which they must be returned.
Can I renew books?
Yes, although it is usually not possible to do this without bringing the books in to the Library. To extend the loan period on a book, simply borrow it as normal on the computer by entering your name or scanning your University card then scanning the barcode inside the front cover of the book. The date the book is now due will appear on the computer screen.
If you cannot bring in the books to renew them, please ask the staff, who may be able to renew them for you.
My friend borrowed this book and now I'd like to borrow it; is it possible to change the loan over to my name?
Yes. If you give the book to a member of staff then we can return it for you while you wait. Please don't lend books to other students without doing this as you will be held responsible for books borrowed in your name. Of course, if you do lend a book to someone else, sort it out as soon as possible, rather than leaving it till the end of your final year...
The computer claims that this book is in, but I can't find it on the shelf.
It's often worth checking the shelves immediately adjacent to the one which should hold the book, or those in a section with a shelfmark that might have been confused (for instance, XIX and XX). You should also have a look round the tables in the library, as it could be in use within the building. If the book is not to be seen then please let a member of staff know; we will look for it regularly and let you know when it reappears.
What does J mean on the catalogue?
J at the start of a shelfmark means that the item is kept in the Library basement. Ask a member of staff to fetch it for you. Items from the basement can be borrowed under the same conditions as items from the main building.
Note that some large collections are kept in the basement without a J to indicate this, although the computer catalogue record should tell you; these include old volumes of periodicals, videocassettes and large historical and theological series such as the Rolls Series and Monumenta Germaniae Historica.
What does Hold mean on the catalogue?
Such items, usually in the Ref. section, may not be borrowed but must be consulted in the library.
Where are exam papers kept?
The Library keeps examination papers for first and second public examinations in all subjects taught at Christ Church, and for many postgraduate courses. You may not borrow exam papers, but you can ask us to make photocopies of small sections. It is prohibited by copyright law to photocopy entire sets of papers; if you need more than a few questions then you can buy papers from the Examination Schools on the High Street.
The most recent exam papers are also available on the web.
Which computer has the Bodleian catalogue?
The main university catalogue, OLIS, is available from all machines in the Library. Note that OxLIP is also available from all the computers in the college computer rooms.
I can't find this book on OLIS.
Note that OLIS is not a complete catalogue of the Bodleian's holdings, and you may need to consult other sources including printed catalogues.
Catalogues of the Bodleian and other Oxford Libraries
It's on OLIS, in another college; can I use their copy?
No. Similarly members of other colleges may not use Christ Church Library.
It's in a University department; where is their library?
The library will probably provide its own details, including opening hours, on-line; look for it using the Oxford University Libraries information page. If this doesn't help, ask one of the library staff here.