Further remarks on the policy of lending Bodleian printed books and manuscripts

In this concise, early‑Victorian tract a seasoned Oxford scholar weighs in on a heated debate over whether the Bodleian should remain a reference‑only treasure house or become a circulating library. Drawing on his own experience as a curator, he sets the stage by questioning the confidence of those urging change, while acknowledging the broader conversation about public access to knowledge.

The author marshals a striking array of evidence from continental libraries, detailing reports of lost, damaged, or inconveniently lent books. He cites surveys, parliamentary testimonies, and the cautionary tales of institutions that have tried to lend their collections. Listeners will find a compelling snapshot of 19th‑century library stewardship, the practical worries of librarians, and the enduring tension between preservation and sharing that still resonates in today’s digital age.