Welcome to the Libraries and Archives at Jesus College.
Our libraries provide both a place to study and a wealth of material to support that study. The archives hold the working documents of the College from its foundation up to the present day.
The Libraries
The main library at Jesus College is the Meyricke Library, open to all current members of College. Our older printed books are housed in the historic Fellows’ Library, open to researchers by appointment. Enquiries about our medieval manuscripts should be directed to the Bodleian Libraries, where they are on deposit.
In addition, there is a specialist Celtic Library, open to students from across the University studying Celtic, and the John Wellingham Organ Studies Library, available to all current organ scholars in Oxford.
Our College Librarian is Owen McKnight, who can be contacted by emailing librarian@jesus.ox.ac.uk or by calling (01865) 279704. The Librarian is usually available to help readers Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Archives
The College Archives hold a large collection of documents, photographs, and printed papers, beginning with Elizabeth I’s foundation charter in 1571, which constitute a rich and unique resource for the study of the people, decisions, traditions and events that have contributed to the development of the College we know today. For more information, please visit https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/about-jesus-college/history/libraries-and-archives/whats-in-the-archives/
If you know or possess anything that you think would contribute to the College Archives, or if you want help in researching an aspect of College history or the College life of an Old Member or Fellow, then please contact Dr Robin Darwall-Smith, our College Archivist, by emailing archivist@jesus.ox.ac.uk or by calling (01865) 279761.
The Archives of Jesus College are usually open, by appointment only, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. and 1.45 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Note that there are four wide flights of stairs (with handrails) on the way to the Archives; please let us know if you need alternative arrangements.
Information on complementary archives in other institutions: