Information for Students
Facilities
The Library is housed in two locations. The main collection of current books and periodicals are in the Old Warden's Lodgings (OWL) in Merton Street and in the Lower Library in Mob Quadrangle (Mob). The greater part of the current collection was moved to OWL in 1997. This impressive Edwardian building retains domestic features, such as the original fireplaces and window seats, which make for a welcoming, pleasant study environment. Wireless network in both libraries provides convenient access to the internet. The Library also provides three workstations for access to the catalogue and electronic resources. A photocopier is available in OWL, and the computer room in the building is open round the clock.
The Upper Library in Mob Quadrangle preserves its beautiful 16th-century furnishings, and includes an exhibition area, while the Lower Library in Mob Quadrangle now houses a reference collection and further reading areas for quiet study. Tours of the Upper Library are free for Mertonians and their guests; check with the Lodge for days and times.
Priority is given to keeping library collections up-to-date, with an emphasis on taught courses. We also have a small collection of DVDs for study and leisure in OWL. Most of the current holdings are available for loan. Those marked “Confined” may be removed from the library only with the prior permission of the Librarian.
Loans, Renewals and Fines
Books may be borrowed from either Mob or OWL by members of the college with a valid University card. Students can check the status of their library account by consulting 'My Account' on SOLO or (for Merton College Library items only) by selecting the option “Account Info” of the self-service terminals in Mob or OWL.
All students are permitted three online renewals, after which they must renew items to the OWL issue desk in person.
Students in urgent need of a particular volume which is currently issued to another reader should speak to a librarian or email the library, so they can recall the item. The current user will then be required to return it within three days.
Students who return books late will be fined accordingly. Fines can be paid to the Assistant Librarian or the Library Assistants, Monday to Friday 9 am - 4.30 pm It is best to clear fines as soon as possible, as they are doubled at the end of the term following the one in which they were incurred. See Appendix 1 of the College Handbook [Adobe.pdf] for further details.
Library Guide
The Library Guide answers many frequently asked questions about library usage. Please also consult the MerGuides below, which explain how things are being done at Merton College Library.
Writing Guides and Study Aids
A list of all writing and study guides as well as style manuals held in Merton College Library is available on the Library page of Merton College's WebLearn site. Those books will help you with your academic writing style and general study skills. We update this often so please keep checking it.
Suggesting a Book
We always welcome suggestions for new books. To suggest a title, download the Book Suggestion Form and complete the designated fields. We apologise that this form does not work on Mac computers. Users of Mac computers should include the required information in an email.
Please return the completed form as an email attachment to mertonlibrary@merton.ox.ac.uk. Of course, you can also print a copy, if you prefer, and hand it in at the OWL issue desk or the library's pigeon hole.
Once a book suggestion has been accepted, we will prioritise its order. Please understand, however, that the time it takes to make suggested books available for borrowing depends on the availability of the individual titles from book suppliers and may thus vary considerably.
MerGuides
These brief guides explain how most things work in the library. For example, 'How to find books at Merton College Library', 'How to renew loans', 'How to pay fines' and many more. The MerGuides are available for download.
Opening Times (Term only)
Old Warden's Lodgings (OWL)
Monday – Friday: 8.30 am to midnight
Saturday: 8.30 am to 10 pm
Sunday: 10 am to midnight
Mob Quad (MOB)
Daily: 8.30 am to midnight
