A thoughtful conversation with Ant Brewerton from the Bodleian Libraries on library services, historic collections, student access, inclusion, digital innovation, and the evolving role of libraries at Oxford.
In this episode of Oxford Student Voice, Oxford SU President for Undergraduates, Seun Sowunmi, speaks with Ant Brewerton from the Bodleian Libraries about the past, present, and future of Oxford’s libraries and their role in student life. The conversation explores Ant’s role at the Bodleian, highlights from the libraries’ vast collections, and the realities of caring for some of the world’s oldest and most valuable books. Ant discusses library access, student resources that support academic skills, and the challenges and opportunities of digital infrastructure, including social media engagement and public-facing initiatives. They also reflect on inclusion and representation within historic collections, how the Bodleian addresses difficult legacies connected to colonial histories, and what it means to create welcoming and safe library spaces for an increasingly diverse student body. The discussion considers sustainability, security, college library resource disparities, and how emerging technologies such as AI may shape the future of publishing and library collections. Together, they look ahead to how the Bodleian continues to adapt to changing student needs while remaining central to research, teaching, and discovery at Oxford.
