U 164

I finally found my way inside of the Bodleian Library to the Upper Reading Room and have decided that whenever possible I shall now study in number U164. It is in the laptop friendly zone, at the end of the row, and is across from a window that looks out over some of the historical buildings of Oxford. I imagine the view from this window has had only minor changes in the last 300 years or so.

So for some reason I find this library very entertaining. For starters I had to take a pledge before they would give me a library card which is called The Bodleian Declaration "I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library, or to mark, deface, or injure in any way, any volume, document, or other object belonging to it or in its custody; not to bring into the Library or kindle therein any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library; and I promise to obey all the rules of the Library." 

Then at every seat there is posted a guidelines for readers page"

Please

-ask a member of staff should you require assistance

-behave considerately towards staff and other library users

-do not consume food or drink of any kind in the Library

-switch off your mobile phone and personal stereo

-observe the silent study rule

-note it is forbidden to use cameras and copying devices

-use Library computers only for searching catalogues, databases and the Internet

For further guidance on the Library's regulations consult A General Guide to the Bodleian Library and its Dependent LIbraries

There is also posted a Handling and Caring for Library Material page"

To ensure that the material you are using remains available to other readers please

-handle library material with clean hands

-remove and replace books on shelves as shown

-close books not in use and never put open books face down

-hold an open book in two hands and never fold the cover back on itself

-rest books on foam supports if they are available

-use bookmarks instead of turning down the corners of pages

-make notes on paper laid on the surface of the table

-unfold and refold maps and fold-outs carefully - if unsure consult staff

-notify staff if the book you are using has uncut pages

-remember that writing in or mutilating library material is a punishable offence

For further guidance on handling and caring for library material visit http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/dept/preservation

So looks like the guys here take their books pretty seriously!