iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Some of you have already seen our Staff Picks display, and now we're sharing it with the internet! This is a little collection of our interests, and the research rabbit-holes we've been going down recently. Feel free to pop by the issue desk if you want to chat about any of the topics here!

A collection of books about a wide variety of subjects relating to Classics, Art, and Archaeology arranged on a table. The centrepiece is a large open folio with a world map on it. There is a sign hanging off the front which reads "Staff Picks: what are we reading?"

030

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Another lovely stack of new books on display this week 📖

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today National Beer Day is celebrated in the USA! 🍻 Enjoy this coat of arms spotted in "Numismatisches Wappen-Lexicon des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit: Staaten und Städtewappen" (1876) (please do not bring beer into the library)

An ink drawing of a coat of arms featuring a hand holding a mug of beer

042

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Did you watch Nolan's The Odyssey and wished you knew more? Do you want to impress your friends with your post-cinema analysis? We've got you covered at the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library- check out our collections on the lower ground floor and in our Classics Lending Library for more!

A stack of books with the spines facing the camera. All the titles are related to Homer's The Odyssey.

0144

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

🔔New books! Get your new books! 🔔 We still get new books arriving over the summer, so don't forget to have a browse of our New Books Display 📖

A close-up of two shelves from the new book display, showing a variety of art books

two shelves from the new book display, showing books related to archaeology

010

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

It's been a week since David Hockney passed, and we at the Art Library have brought together a few of our favourite books about his art. You can find out more about David and his iconic works on the second floor.

Five books about David Hockney arranged on a shelf.

072

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

#FYIFriday Finalists! If you have any credit left on your PCAS account, you have until your Bod card expires to use it! Any unused credit will be lost and cannot be refunded. If you, like us, want some photos of Pedro Pascal or Nicolas Cage on your walls, you don't have long to print them!

A pin board with several pieces of paper pinned to it. In the middle is a photo of Nicolas Cage holding a copy of Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse with the word "READ" written above it in blue. Next to it is a picture of Pedro Pascal with "GLADIATOR II" written in pink and pink hearts around the edge of the photo.

121

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

🚫⚠️Apologies all, our lift is currently out of action ⚠️🚫 As we wait for it to be fixed, readers unable to access our other floors via stairs may book our ground floor study carrel, or email us to reserve a desk. Our team will be happy to retrieve books for you. Thank you for your patience!

The silver doors to a lift with a silver control panel to the left of it. There is a white "out of order" sign on the control panel covering the buttons.

110

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

As we power through this heatwave we would just like to note: Your iced latte looks delicious, but please enjoy it outside!

The top part of a poster which reads: "Guidelines for using the library: To keep everyone happy, please abide by our food and drink restrictions. Yes to keep cups, yes to water, no to food, and no other drinks"

020

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Happy Friday everyone ☀️ we're now halfway through Trinity Term! As the weather's getting warmer, it's important to stay hydrated- even when you're inside. In the Art library, you can fill up water bottles from our water fountain in the lobby or the taps in the second floor bathrooms. #FYIFriday

A black water fountain with a stack of paper cups sitting on top of it in front of a beige and brown striped wall.

A silver tap above a white sink with a sign reading "DRINKING WATER" above it.

041

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Happy #InternationalMuseumDay! At the Art library you can find all sorts of museum related material- go to the second floor shelfmarks AM for museum studies and curation, 907-8 for collections in specific museums, or go to the Haverfield room on the ground floor for museum bulletins and newsletters

A stack of colourful books relating to museums and museum practices.

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

The theme of last night's #MetGala was "Fashion is Art" with a particular focus on bodies in art, and boy do we have the resources for you! From Bad Bunny's elderly prosthetics and Naomi Osaka's nod to anatomical art, to copious nude sculptural elements, this red carpet was one for the sketchbooks!

Six books arranged on a shelf, all about fashion in art, art as fashion, and the way we view bodies

030

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

We were very entertained by this Roman and Greek graffiti from a scan request 🖊️🏛️ For #FYIFriday, find out more about scan requests here (scans of fun graffiti highly encouraged!): www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/services/rem... Graffiti source: solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/permalink/44...

Transcribed Greek/Roman graffiti, showing a portrait of a figure looking suspiciously to the side. His mouth line extends past his face, he has an ear halfway down his neck, straggly lines of hair, and no eyebrows.

Transcribed Greek/Roman graffiti, showing a frustrated figure staring down at an item that resembles a cube or keyboard, a blank eyed monobrowed face, and a smiling person with an intense side fringe.

Transcribed Greek/Roman graffiti, showing a sock-puppet looking figure who is bald, has one completely black eye, the smallest suggestion of a chin, who is looking haughtily down their nose. The second graffiti is a foot-shaped head with bristly hair and eyelashes sticking straight up, and a smile entirely of bottom teeth. The final graffiti is a smug looking face with short hair, looking down, and smirking. Their chin doesn't line up so looks strange and bumpy.

Transcribed Greek/Roman graffiti, showing a figure with a large bird. The figure is holding what appears to be reins connected to the bird, or a long stick to poke it with.

1154

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Did you know we have adjustable copy stands? 📷 You can attach your camera and take high-quality reference images for your studies - within copyright rules of course! #FYIFridays

An image of a copy stand. There is a part where you attach a camera, and a height adjustable stand.

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Everyone say hi to this term's book display, inspired by the @ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social "In Bloom" exhibition 🌷🌼🪻🌺

A photo of one table of the 'in bloom' book display, showing books about plants and flowers

080

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Chronicling Lost Legacies: Women Collectors, Patrons, and Tastemakers solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/permalink/44... Japan art revolution: the Japanese avant-garde, from Angura to Provoke: solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/permalink/44...

Book cover for Chronicling Lost Legacies, Women Collectors, Patrons and Tastemakers

011

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Don't forget our New Books Display is refreshed every Monday 🌟📚 Check out some highlights from this week's display ⬇️

an image of the new books display shelves

121

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

While we're gearing up for Trinity term, here's a look at our new book display!

A shelf of books about Archaeology and the Ancient World

020

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Good morning! (checks watch- only just!) We hope you all had a pleasant long weekend- the Art library is open again and ready for readers 🌞

The Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library in front of a clear blue sky.

030

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

🪴Have you tried our new break room? We'd love to know what you think! We now have a feedback board by the new book displays on the ground floor for you to tell us what you think of the break room, and what you'd like from the space. Leave us a post-it note with your thoughts!📝

A whiteboard standing between a table and some bookshelves. At the top of the whiteboard is a white sign asking for feedback on the breakroom, and below the sign are some pink and yellow post-it notes with comments written on them.

A corner of the art library break room, showing a potted plant, a window and a comfy chair.

010

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Happy #FYIFriday! Did you know the team here can so minor book repairs? Well we can, but we need your help! If you see a book that looks like it could do with a little TLC, just bring it to the issue desk, and we'll take it from there!

A shelf of visibly damaged books, with a label on it that reads "Repairs - trained staff minor repairs"

011

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

💐Heads up: we'll be closed for the Easter Bank Holiday!💐

A poster with a grassy background which reads: "We are closing for Easter - The Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library will be closed from Thursday 2nd April 21:00 until Tuesday 7th April 09:00"

021

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

The Department of History of Art are running a talk this Thursday from their Medieval Visual Culture Seminar series! "Silver trees and pearl crosses: Franco-Mongolian diplomacy and cultural exchange in thirteenth-century Karakorum" 📅 12th March 2026 🕔 5pm 📍 Arumugam 2.1, St Catherine’s College

A grey poster reading "Medieval Visual Culture Seminar

Silver trees and pearl crosses: Franco-Mongolian diplomacy and cultural exchange in thirteenth-century Karakorum

Emily Guerry

5PM THU 12 MARCH
Arumugam 2.1
St Catherine’s College"

In the middle of the poster is an image of a horse saddle with a honeycomb design.

010

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

We're trying something new... so welcome to the inaugural #FYIFriday post! Did you know we have microfiche readers on our lower ground floor? If you've ordered microfiche from the stacks, or have some of your own you'd like to read, just ask the library staff how to use them!

Two microfiche readers on one of the library desks.

A close-up of a microfiche reader; it looks like an antique computer with a flat panel instead of a keyboard.

051

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Anyone who's used our Classics Lending Library recently will be pleased to hear that we're three-quarters of the way through re-classifying it! Soon we will have done away with the old shelfmarks, and changed them all to the (much more intelligible) Library of Congress system 📚

A set of Classics Lending Library bookshelves, which have Library of Congress shelfmarks and green stickers on the spine.

041

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

We've made a start on our book swap, but we need your help! If you have any books you want to donate to a new home just pop them on the shelf in the break room. They don't have to be relevant to our collections - if you think someone will enjoy them then that's all that matters!

A mostly empty wooden bookshelf with a plant on top. Above it is a sign that reads: "Art Library Book Swap: help your shelves"

041

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Today marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Ukraine. In solidarity, we've done our best to highlight our Ukrainian collections in that time, and you can find our blog posts about them here: blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/sackler/2023... blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/sackler/2025...

Our Ukraine: Three Years On display. Several books about Ukrainian art are arranged on a table.

072

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

You may have seen an empty display case hanging around the entrance to the ground floor reading room for a while. We're planning on putting some of our special collections on display, and we would love your input! What would you like to see in there? Let us know in the comments!

An empty, glass- covered display case, next to the New Book Display by the entrance to the ground floor

021

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

For this mid-term New Books Display, we're featuring Ancient Iraq, Byzantine Dynasties, and the international market for prints!

Several books about the Ancient World on a shelf, with red slips sticking out from the top.

Several books about Art on a shelf, with red slips sticking out from the top.

022

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Happy LGBTQ+ History Month! The theme this year is Science and Innovation, so to celebrate we have put together our new display; "Queer Pioneers, mixing Science with Art and Archaeology" 📚🌈

Several books about LGBT developments in Art and Archaeology arranged on a table.

0205

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

🪴Our new break room is officially open🪴 It's a little bare-bones right now, but we'll be sprucing it up over the next few months - and you can help! Let us know what you would like to see in there, either in the comments below or in-person!

The door leading to the break room from the lobby

The corner of the break room, with a comfy chair and a potted plant

The other side of the break room, containing a table, a comfy chair with a cushion on it, and a bookshelf

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

We heard it's National Pop Art Day! Far beyond soup cans and comic books, Pop art is one of the most easily recognisable post-war art movements, characterised by bold colours and images from mass culture. You can learn more on the second floor!

Several books about pop art on a shelf, with shelfmarks beginning "918.46"

Several books about pop art on a shelf, with shelfmarks beginning "N6494.P5"

051

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Happy Monday! Our new book display this week features Medieval Winchester, colour science, and Giambattista Piranesi.

Several books about Archaeology and Classics on a shelf. They have yellow slips sticking out of them.

Several books about Art on a shelf. They have yellow slips sticking out of them.

041

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Let's break up #BlueMonday with a pop of colour! Head to the ground floor to check out "Pigments of the Imagination: Art and Archaeology from across the colour spectrum"

An array of multicoloured books arranged on a display cabinet.

062

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Exciting news: we're getting a break room! Over the next few weeks we'll be repurposing our locker room into a comfortable area where you can have food and drinks without having to hover in the lobby. If you have questions or comments, feel free to leave them below!

A wooden door with "lockers" written above it, and two signs on it. The first reads "Locker room will be out of use for contractor work. Please be aware that we might need to cordon the area at times. Please speak to Lodge staff if you have any concerns about storage of possessions during this time." The second reads, "This Locker Room is no longer in use in preparation of being repurposed as a break room in the next few weeks. All the contents of the lockers will be removed and disposed by Friday 23rd January 2026 if not claimed."

021

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

It's the first Noughth week of 2026! We have some exciting library updates coming up this term, so stay tuned...

A photo of the Art Library courtyard. The leaves on the central tree are yellow, and the sun is just hitting the top of the building.

021

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

We have a new comfy seating area on the second floor! If you need to take a break from your desk, pop yourself down next to the Art Journal display, and relax 🛋️ (it's still not an eating area though - sorry!)

Four cushioned chairs and a table next to a bookshelf with journals on. There are windows behind two of the chairs, shining light onto the area.

011

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Welcome back for the first full week of 2026! We have plenty of space if you're looking to get out of the cold in the run-up to Hilary term ❄️

The interior of the Art Library lobby, angled up at the skylight. Through it you can see an icy blue sky with a few clouds.

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

❄️Quick reminder that we close for Vacation at 5pm today❄️ Make sure to borrow or return any books you need for the holidays, because your next chance will be on 2nd January next year! Happy holidays from the Art Library team!

A photo of the Art Library Courtyard. There is a tree in the middle, the leaves of which have gone yellow with the cold.

020

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Doing a bit of early spring cleaning? We now have a sub fusc donation point! Feel free to drop off robes, mortar boards, bow ties and ribbons, so they can be washed and given a new home!

A green container with "sub fusc collection point" written on the front. It is the same height as the self-issue machine, which it has been placed next to.

011

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Personally we're big fans of our watercolour! (Although Santa will need to leave that sack in the locker room if it's larger than a standard backpack)

083

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

That's a wrap on another Michaelmas term! Before you head home for the holidays, why not have a look at our festive display; "The Art and Archaeology of Eating Drinking and Being Merry"? We also have an accompanying blog post if you want more detail, just follow the link in our bio!

Books about The Art and Archaeology of Eating Drinking and Being Merry arranged on a table, with fairy lights shaped like fruit interwoven around them.

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

❄️Vac loans are here again!❄️ From today all loans from the CLASSICS LENDING LIBRARY ONLY will be due back on Tuesday 20th January. All other loans will have their standard loan period. Please check due dates before taking books home for the vacation.

A Christmas-themed poster that reads: Vacation loans: From Monday 1st December all loans from the CLASSICS LENDING LIBRARY ONLY will be due back on Tuesday 20th January.
All other loans will have their standard loan period. Please check due dates before taking books home for the vacation.

011

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

🎃We're all done up for Halloween!🎃 But please don't be fooled by our spooky decor - the library assistants at the issue desk aren't scary, and we're always happy to help!

The issue desk area of the Art Library, decorated with paper pumpkins, bats, and ghosts.

0102

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

They've been away for a few years, but our New Journals displays are finally back! You can find them on the first and second floors, containing the newest issues of our most popular periodicals 📚

Several journals about the Ancient World arranged on a desk

Several journals about art arranged on a display shelf.

041

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

We've listened to your feedback! The Art Library can get pretty chilly in winter, so we've put some blankets by the entrance for you to take to your study space of choice. Please return it when you leave, and let us know what you think in the comments, or our suggestions box!

A large wicker basket filled with olive green blankets, placed underneath a sign that reads "Feeling chilly? Help yourself to one of our blankets, and return it when you leave"

0112

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Today is your last day to take an induction tour in Michaelmas term! You can book on via our website, or just drop in - tours start in the lobby at 10:30, 11:30, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00.

A photo of the lobby doors in the Art Library. A sign next to them lists the induction tour start times.

020

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

This Black History Month we're celebrating black culture from across our collections! Check out our new display: "Standing in Power and Pride" on the ground floor!

A collection of books about black art, culture, history, and archaeology, arranged on an antique desk.

031

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Our first day of tours is done, and we want your feedback! Is there something you wish we spent more time talking about? Anything we could have skipped? Do you think your guide's jumper was cool and just want to pay a compliment? Let us know by popping a note in the Whimsy Cube!

A multi-coloured suggestion box with cute doodles of stars and animals on it. There is a sign pointing to a slot in the top that reads: "Please place feedback in the whimsy cube", and there are pens and slips of paper on the table in front of it.

021

Bodleian Art, Archaeology, and Ancient World Library @bodartlib.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Happy Noughth Week! The Art Library team are excited to welcome all the new faces coming to Oxford this year, and say welcome back to those returning! Don't forget to sign up for our induction tours, running for the next two weeks: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/ask/getting-...

A photo of the front doors of the Art Library, which are made from heavy wood and glass, with columns on either side.

031