We warmly welcome the Bodleian's plans for a redevelopment that will open up more of its treasures to public view.

It can only be a good thing if more people are encouraged into this world-class library to view manuscripts that are an integral part of our history.

The redevelopment will also create a new and interesting facade on to Broad Street and play a part in what we hope will ultimately be a full-scale improvement to the scene in one of Oxford's most historic streets.

We do, however, think the Bodleian needs to work harder on its public relations.

In his comments this week, the keeper of special collections, Richard Ovenden, warns that the renovation will only be possible if the library gets its way with its book depository plan at Osney Mead.

While that may be true, expressing it so plainly comes across as a veiled threat. Given that opposition to the depository comes from the very people who are likely to welcome the redevelopment in Broad Street, you would think that the Bodleian would be a little more cautious in its language.

Its handling of the launch of the Bodleian redevelopment last week was also somewhat strange. A press release was sent out on Thursday evening with a Friday embargo. It appears it was designed to give the BBC Radio 4 Today programme an exclusive on the news - which it reported at about 9pm once most people had stopped listening.

It meant that the vice-chancellor of the University John Hood was unable to refer to it in the public question-and-answer session he held with members of the public on the Wednesday - and there were many questions about the Bodleian.

It also meant this newspaper was unable to report the news.

The University of Oxford may be bigger than this city but it must remember that this is where it lives.