Annual Fund
The Bodleian Libraries contain the largest and most diverse collections for the support of teaching and research in any institution of higher education in the United Kingdom. Housing primary documents acquired over the past 400 years, and a variety of materials required across the collegiate University, the Libraries provide essential support for teaching and research at Oxford. As Interim Bodley’s Librarian it is my duty to ensure that each year we acquire, conserve, catalogue and digitise thousands of items so that current and future generations of world-class students and academics have access to the vital resources required for their research. Our special collections include the earliest surviving book written wholly in English; four original copies of the Magna Carta; and almost 10,000 western medieval manuscripts. We build on these extraordinary collections not only to advance scholarship but to share our heritage with the wider public through exhibitions and events. Acquisitions vary from major archives requiring significant funds to single documents of modest price. In our departmental libraries, students and scholars also require access to multiple copies of up to date publications, and increasingly to electronic journals containing the latest academic articles whether in the Medical Sciences or relating to Victorian popular culture. Now more than ever, the successful future of the Libraries and the ability to provide resources worthy of a world-class institution depends on the generosity of our friends and supporters. All donations will have a valuable impact on improving the Libraries’ ability to preserve our treasured collections and acquire contemporary study resources for the students and researchers who depend upon us, securing the heritage of our family of libraries for future generations.
Thank you for your continued support of the Bodleian Libraries.
We are deeply grateful for all gifts at any level, and I hope that you will choose to make a contribution towards the acquisition of new publications and e-resources, and enhancing our special collections.
Richard Ovenden
Interim Bodley’s Librarian
Thank you for your continued support of the Bodleian Libraries.
We are deeply grateful for all gifts at any level, and I hope that you will choose to make a contribution towards the acquisition of new publications and e-resources, and enhancing our special collections.
Richard Ovenden
Interim Bodley’s Librarian