Bodleian display plans to upgrade central Bodleian site space

Oxford University's world-famous Bodleian Libraries has displayed plans to upgrade space within the central Bodleian site. These will enable greater direct access to books, improved services and access for those with limited mobility. The plans include refurbishment of the Underground Bookstore, under Radcliffe Square, into two floors of open stack library space for readers, and opening up the tunnel that connects the Radcliffe Camera and the Old Bodleian main building, to be known as the Gladstone Link. Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodley's Librarian, said: 'The development of the "Gladstone Link" allows us to breathe new life into our Underground Bookstore space and open up the famous tunnel connecting the Radcliffe Camera to the Old Bodleian of which generations of Oxford students have heard but to which they have never had access. We are also pleased to improve access to some of Oxford's most iconic buildings for readers and visitors with limited mobility.' The Libraries are currently analysing automated book-stack requests and other data to ensure that the most requested items that are currently fetched for readers by staff will be moved to open shelves. This development allows us to open up the famous tunnel connecting the Radcliffe Camera to the Old Bodleian of which generations of Oxford students have heard but to which they have never had access. The plans also include installing a platform lift between the Underground Bookstore and the Lower Radcliffe Camera Reading Room to provide access for disabled readers and to facilitate book deliveries.