Using other libraries
Finding materials in other libraries
Access to other libraries: schemes & policies
- SCONUL Access: to visit other libraries for reference/borrowing purposes - if you are from an institution other than the University of Bath, please refer to SCONUL Access to the University of Bath
- SCONUL Vacation Access
- British Library
- Bishopsgate Institute Library
- City Business Library
- Individual libraries' policies
- Inter-library Loans
- NHS Libraries & other health information services
- Royal United Hospital Library
SCONUL Access
SCONUL Access allows University of Bath students and academic staff to visit over 170 higher education libraries in the UK & Republic of Ireland, either for reference purposes, or to borrow books. You are not entitled to use another library's IT facilities. You should pay any outstanding library fines and be in good standing with the library before applying for SCONUL Access membership.
How to register:
1. Find out which libraries you can apply to join at http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access/
You will be asked to select your current university role/mode of study AND your home institution (University of Bath) from drop down menus. Select Find to search for libraries taking part in the scheme. The Search Results page will show libraries close to your home institution. You can also search for libraries on an A-Z list by choosing See results as a list or searching using your postcode to show institutions in your area on the map results.
When you select the university you wish to access, from the A-Z listing or by choosing from the locations shown on the map, you will be presented with an information screen providing contact information about the library, a member of staff you can email or telephone with queries and link to Apply for Access.
2. Select the Apply for access link from the information screen of the library you wish to join.
3. Complete the online form with your name and contact details as requested. You should always use your University of Bath email address when applying for SCONUL Access. Some partner libraries will check the email address you have used to correspond with your home library as an additional check to verify your current student status.
4. Once you have entered all the required information, press Submit to send an automated application to University of Bath Library staff. Library staff will review and authorise applications. Successful applicants will be sent an email back to their University email address confirming their SCONUL Access banding (membership rights) and an expiry date for their SCONUL Access membership.
3. When you visit the other library, take a printed copy of the confirmation email that shows the membership banding and SCONUL Access expiry date information AND your current University of Bath library card. It is always advisable to check the individual library's website in advance to find out about service hours.
What if I want to use more than one library through the SCONUL Access scheme?
You only need to complete the online application once. The confirmation email you receive will provide information useful to any member library you wish to join. You should print a copy of the email each time you want to join a library and take it with you to apply for membership. You should try to use a copy of the approval email within two weeks of the date it was sent to assure host libraries of its currency.
More information about SCONUL Access can be found at http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/
If you need to renew an expired SCONUL Access membership, please register and apply following the advice above.
SCONUL Vacation Access
- Undergraduate students and taught postgraduate students are normally allowed to use other higher education libraries free of charge during the vacations (the dates of which are defined by the host institution). If you request admittance to another library you should be prepared to present proof of your current membership of the university of Bath. A current library card will normally be acceptable, provided that it shows the holder as an undergraduate or taught postgraduate. Sometimes it may be necessary to show evidence of when your course ends.
- It is strongly recommended that you check the vacation dates and opening hours of the Library you want to visit by visiting the Library's website or telephoning in advance. Also find out which documentation you will be required to bring. More information about the SCONUL Vacation Access Scheme.
British Library
All students and staff: To visit the British Library reading rooms in St. Pancras, you must apply to the British Library for a Reader Pass. This will allow you to access the reading rooms for reference purposes only. You can either apply by posting an application form or by visiting the British Library. If you apply by post, you should expect to wait at least 10 working days before receiving a reply. If your application is approved, you will be expected to take identification with you when you visit the library. More information including how to apply for a Reader Pass. Also view the British Library Catalogue.
Bishopsgate Institute Library
A social sciences library in London that is open to the public. To access items from the special collections, you will need to request these in advance. More information.
City Business Library
A public library in London that specialises in business studies. More information.
Individual libraries' policies
- Individual academic or specialist libraries may have policies that allow you to visit them for reference purposes. They may also let you borrow items if you become an external member - this usually involves paying a fee.
- Please telephone the individual library in advance to confirm whether and when you are allowed to visit. When you visit, remember to take your University of Bath library card with you.
- Even if an individual library's policy does not offer you access, you may still be able to visit that library under the SCONUL Access scheme. If you are a postgraduate and are not eligible to visit a specific library, either through the SCONUL Access or an individual library's own policy, please talk to your subject librarian who may be able to help arrange access.
Inter-Library Loans
You can use this service to get material that we do not hold at the University of Bath Library and Learning Centre. Many University of Bath Library users can submit requests for items at no charge. However, the number of free requests that you can make may be limited. Please only request items that are essential to your studies because the cost to the Library is high for each request. However, any member of the Library can pay for an Inter-Library Loan. For more information, please check the Inter-library Loan service.
NHS Libraries & Other Health Information Services
- If you are on an NHS placement in Avon, Gloucestershire or Wiltshire, you can apply for an NHS Library Services Passport. This will allow you to visit and borrow from any NHS library throughout the period of your placement.
- If your placement is outside this region, you can use these services for reference only. Alternatively, you can pay a charge and join as an external user. This may entitle you to borrow materials.
- You might like to check the individual access policies of libraries and information services and access to the Academy Library at the RUH (Royal United Hospital Library). For more information, please contact the relevant service, trust or hospital.
Royal United Hospital Library (Academy Library)
The Academy Library at the Royal United Hospital offers a reference service between 8:30 and 5:00, Monday-Thursday, and 8:30 - 4:30 on Friday. If possible, please telephone in advance (01225 824897/8). Remember to take your University Library card as you will need to present this on arrival. Students on an official NHS placement are entitled to full library membership, including borrowing rights and access to all online services. For full details of national/local NHS resources and conditions of use, check the following:
- Academy Library at the RUH (Royal United Hospital Library)
- South West Regional Library and Information Network (SWRLIN)
- Health Information Resources