Oxford University - Bodleian Social Science Library. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Bodleian Social Science Library

The Bodleian Social Science Library is Oxford University's main lending and reference library teaching social sciences.

The Bodleian Social Science Library (SSL) is one of the key libraries within the University of Oxford, specifically dedicated to serving the needs of students, researchers, and academics in the social sciences. It is part of the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford’s central library system, and is located within the Manor Road Building, near the University’s Department of Politics and International Relations and the Faculty of Law.

The SSL houses an extensive collection of resources across a wide range of social science disciplines, including politics, sociology, economics, law, international relations, social policy, criminology, and human geography. The library’s collections include books, academic journals, working papers, government documents, and statistical data. The library is particularly well-known for its comprehensive range of social science databases and electronic resources, which are accessible both on-site and remotely.

About the Bodleian Social Science Library

The Bodleian Social Science Library is designed to support both individual study and group work, with a variety of facilities available to users. The library offers quiet study spaces, group study rooms, and computer workstations equipped with the latest software and research tools. In addition, the SSL provides access to printing, scanning, and copying services.

The library staff are highly knowledgeable and offer specialized support for research and learning. This includes help with finding and using resources, reference management, and accessing electronic databases. The library also regularly conducts workshops and training sessions aimed at developing students’ research skills.

Accessibility and Usage

The SSL plays a crucial role in supporting the academic work of the University of Oxford’s social science departments. It is a key resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as for faculty members engaged in research. The library’s extensive collections and resources make it an indispensable part of the academic infrastructure for those studying or researching social science subjects at Oxford.

While the Bodleian Social Science Library primarily serves the University of Oxford community, including students, faculty, and researchers, it also welcomes visiting scholars and provides access to certain resources for members of the public, subject to certain conditions. The SSL is a vital hub for social science research at Oxford, offering an environment that is conducive to in-depth study and scholarly collaboration.

Where is the Bodleian Social Science Library?

The Bodleian Social Science Library is a central resource for social science research at the University of Oxford. With its extensive collections, modern facilities, and dedicated support services, the SSL plays a key role in advancing the study of social sciences within the university.

Oxford University - Sackler Library. Image courtesy of Ralf van Buehren

Sackler Library

The Sackler Library, is one of the Bodleian Libraries’ principal research libraries. It focuses mainly on the study of archaeology and art.

Read More »
Oxford University - Sainsbury Library at the Saïd Business School. Image courtesy of Christian Guthier.

Saïd Business School

Saïd Business School is a department of the university dedicated to business, management, and finance education. Learn more here.

Oxford Worcester College. Image courtesy of Dave_S.

Worcester College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Worcester College was founded in 1714 by Sir Thomas Cookes.

Oxford University: Wolfson College. Image courtesy of Iqbal Aalam.

Wolfson College

Wolfson College is an all-graduate college affiliated with the University of Oxford in England, located near the River Cherwell.

Oxford University: Wadham College. Image courtesy of Andrew Gray.

Wadham College

Wadham College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford. It is located in the centre of Oxford.

Things to Do in Oxford

Discover fun and interesting activities in the city of Oxford and its surrounding areas, including sports, entertainment, historic places museums, and much more.