The pre-1800 collections at All Souls are rich in almost every subject. The original strength of the collection, as for many institutions founded before 1500, was in Roman and canon law, theology, and medical works. When the Library out-grew the Old Library (now used for lectures), and the building of the new Library was complete, the collection became much more diverse.
Many of the books came from bequests or donations from fellows. The largest was left by Christopher Codrington, known for his ownership of plantations in the Caribbean: the College is working on addressing and contextualizing this legacy. Other contributions, together with some judicious purchasing, created a rich collection including works on classics, science, travel, architecture, philosophy and literature.
The majority of the Library's books printed before c.1850 have been fully catalogued onto SOLO (the University's union catalogue of printed books). Most records include both full bibliographical description (including references, pagination/foliation, subject headings and additional notes where required for clarity), and copy specific information (including notes relating to imperfections, binding descriptions, and provenance information). Not all records include full notes; please email special.collections@all-souls.ox.ac.uk with any queries.
Researchers wishing to consult the early printed collections should contact the Library. Requests for in-person appointments to see special collections material (early printed books, manuscripts, archival materials, maps, etc.) require a minimum of two weeks' advance notice (ten working days) and, depending on the complexity of the requests and the condition of the materials, may require longer. Appointments are available subject to both staff availability, and the availability of the requested material.
Researchers are permitted to take their own photographs of special collections materials for private use, but images can also be supplied, without charge, of specific pages, sections, or complete works (where the condition of the item allows). We encourage researchers to request images from the Library if more than a small number are required.
If the condition of the book allows, images can be requested for private research, as well as supplied either in lieu of a visit, or as a conservation measure to reduce the handling of fragile materials. For complete works, images will be uploaded to the Library's website; specific pages may also be requested. In most cases there is no charge for this service.
Images may also be requested for publication; please contact the Library to discuss requirements. All images should be requested via the Image Request Form.
Requests for images of special collections materials are currently taking an average of two to four weeks to process, depending on availability and item condition, but Library Staff aim to fulfil requests as soon as possible.