Bodleian library, the main research library at Oxford University – one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second largest library in the UK, second only to the British library. The Bodleian library is among six British libraries, with the right to compulsory copies. Also send a copy of the mandatory publishing of the Irish Republic. The library does not issue books on hand, books can be used only in the reading rooms.

The library occupies a complex of five buildings on broad street in Oxford, in addition in different places at Oxford, in different colleges it has its branches and offices. When recording in the library, readers bring a special oath. Previously, she was verbally now readers in writing (native language) promise that will not damage or remove from library books and other property, will not bring to the library no fire, no smoke and will follow the rules of the library. The original Latin text of the oath does not include the paragraph about Smoking.

The first building to the library was built in the XIV century on the orders of Thomas Cobham. Books were chained to the shelves to read them, and be taken out of the library – no. The chain was attached at a ring embedded in the cover of the book (not in the spine), and the books were on the shelves by the roots from the reader. In the fifteenth century Duke Humphrey of Gloucester has donated to the library a large collection of manuscripts. At the same time was built a new reading room, which is still known as the library of Duke Humphrey. At the end of the XVI century, the library is going through difficult times, sold most of the collection, from the collection of Duke Humphrey survived only three volumes. Thomas Bodley, a graduate of Merton College, restored the library at their own expense and donated to the library's extensive book collection. Bodley entered into a contract with the London publishers on the transfer to the library binding copies of all printed books, and for a long time the library fulfilled the functions of national libraries. The library's collections grew, expanded area stores, the library occupied a new building. Rotunda Ratcliff, a beautiful building in the English Palladian style, has become the symbol libraries.

In 1914 the number of units of the library has exceeded 1 million. Now in the libraries belonging to the Bodleian contains more than 11 million units.

Until recently the library was forbidden to make copies of the materials, but now readers can make copies with almost all publications issued after 1900, and with the help of library staff to obtain copies of earlier editions. Also allowed manual scanners and digital cameras. Most of the materials transferred to digital media or microfilm, especially rare and old specimens.