Balliol student in the College Library (photo: Rob Judges)
See other pages in this section

Welcome to Balliol Library

Balliol’s intellectual hub

The Library is the intellectual hub of the College. It plays two main roles in College life:

  • delivering 24-hour access to the resources and working environment to support undergraduate and postgraduate study
  • collecting, preserving and promoting the College’s intellectual heritage.

Broad Street Library

The Broad Street Library offers current members of the College 24/7 access to 70,000 books, 70 current periodicals and subscribed e‑books, e‑journals and databases. The two inspiring, medieval reading rooms and the more intimate law library offer a variety of excellent, 24-hour study space. Friendly, professional librarians are on hand 95, Monday-Friday, to answer enquiries from ‘Where is that book?’ to ‘How do I avoid plagiarism?’. They also regularly provide squash and biscuits, and a chance for a chat. Follow the menu links below for information for College Members, including the SOLO library catalogue.

Historic collections

Balliol’s rich and varied historic collections of archives, personal papers, manuscripts and printed books support the College’s teaching and research. External researchers are welcomed by appointment and a growing number of the historic collections can be explored online. The historic collections are also open for school visits and public exhibitions and talks

Balliol Library on social media