Longwall Library
The Longwall Library houses Magdalen’s main circulating collection, and is where the library staff can usually be found. It provides resources for all undergraduate courses offered at Magdalen, plus many resources for post-graduates and senior members. The Longwall Library also boasts an extensive collection of reference works, an impressive film collection, access to online resources, and a team of professional staff to answer enquiries. Between 2014 and 2016 the library underwent a major renovation, as detailed on this page.
All current Magdalen members can use the Longwall Library 24-hours a day. External researchers who wish to consult material held only at Magdalen (on a reference-only basis) are welcome to make an appointment via the library’s general enquiries email: library@magd.ox.ac.uk.
Arrangement
The main collection is classified according to the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme, with the result that most books are arranged broadly by subject area. Oversize books are shelved separately, and can be identified by the suffix “(fol.)” in the shelfmark. Reference books are also shelved separately, and are identified by the suffix “(ref.)”. There is also a large collection dedicated to authors associated with Magdalen. These books do not have Dewey numbers, but have been classified using an in-house scheme. Shelfmarks for these items will begin with “Magd.”, followed by the author’s surname. Please ask a member of the library staff if you need help finding an item.
Suggestions
With very few exceptions, the library is happy to buy books and films on demand. All members of College are encouraged to suggest books or films needed for their studies, or to fill gaps in the collection. To make a suggestion, please fill in a suggestion form at the enquiry desk, or email library@magd.ox.ac.uk.
You will be e-mailed once an item you requested has arrived.
Borrowing
All items in the Longwall Library, except periodicals and reference books, may be borrowed by College members using the self-issue computer near the enquiry desk.
Magdalen members may borrow any number of books, for two weeks at a time.
E-mail reminders will be sent to members with overdue items. All items can be renewed, with the exception of items that have been requested by other members. These must be returned to the library as soon as possible.
Items that remain overdue at the end of term may be subject to a replacement charge (the item’s replacement cost, plus a processing fee of £10 per item).
Borrowing is only available to current College members (including students, fellows and staff).
Magdalen Alumni are very welcome to use the College Library (for reference purposes) on weekdays in normal office hours. Advance notice, to the library’s general enquiries account, or by telephone, would be much appreciated.
Returns
Books and films should be returned to the book-drop under the self-issue computer next to the enquiry desk. Library staff will check them in.
Renewals
Books and films can be renewed online on the SOLO website, so long as they have not been requested by another reader. To renew your books:
- Click on “Sign-in” in the top right corner and enter your Single Sign-On details
- Click on “My Account” in the upper-right menu to see what books you have out
- Either click “Renew All” or “Renew Selected” to renew the items on your account
If you need help then email us or go to the main SOLO page and use the SOLO Live Help box.
Reservations
Once you are logged into SOLO (see above) you can place holds on items you want to consult once the current reader has finished with them. Note that the hold will only be activated when the item is returned, usually at the end of the borrowing period. If you need an item more urgently, please email library@magd.ox.ac.uk and we will immediately recall it.
Key Rules
- Mobile phones must be on silent mode in the library
- Food is not allowed in the Library reading rooms, but may be consumed in the Longwall foyer
- Bottled water is allowed throughout the library. Hot drinks are allowed in the foyer and reading rooms, provided they are kept in a Bodleian “KeepCup” or similar travel flask. Paper takeaway cups are not permitted inside the Longwall Library
- Strictly no food or drink is allowed in the Old Library, or in areas where special collections material is being consulted
Film Collection
Magdalen has over 3,000 DVDs, making ours one of the largest film collections in the university. Most items have been carefully selected to support academic study, but the collection also contains films for entertainment and relaxation. All items have been catalogued on SOLO. When searching for films held at Magdalen, you can usefully limit your search by choosing “Magdalen College Library” from the “All libraries/collections” menu, and “Audio Visual” from the “All items” menu. This will limit your search results to items held by the College.
The film collection is kept adjacent to the rolling stacks in the Longwall Library. Items may be borrowed for two nights, or until Monday if borrowed on a Thursday or Friday. Sets containing several films, or a series, may be borrowed for a week. Items may be renewed unless requested by another reader. In compliance with copyright law, they are strictly for private study, or educational screenings.
Members of other colleges or departments are welcome to borrow from the film collection on receipt of a refundable deposit of £15 per item. The same borrowing restrictions apply. Please e-mail library@magd.ox.ac.uk in advance to arrange to borrow films.
As with books, we welcome suggestions for new DVDs. To make a suggestion, please fill in a suggestion form at the enquiry desk, or email library@magd.ox.ac.uk.
Photocopying, Computers & Printing
Three computer terminals are available for general use, and for searching SOLO, the Oxford library catalogue. One terminal can be found on the lower ground floor, in the rolling stacks. The other two are in the reprographics room on the ground floor. Wi-fi is available throughout the library; instructions on how to log-on are available here.
Printing is available from all library computers, with one printer located in the rolling stacks, and two on the ground floor in the reprographics rooms. There is also a combination photocopier/scanner machine on the ground floor, again in the reprographics rooms, available to Magdalen members. This can be used to reproduce material for private study or educational purposes, within copyright limits. Further guidance is displayed near the copier/scanner.
