Getting a Library card
You will need a library card in order to enter the Library building, borrow/renew books, place reservations, photocopy and print.
The Library is responsible for the issue of these cards which are used for a variety of purposes, other than borrowing books, in and around campus - such as access to buildings, labs and office areas, proof of status and similar - and therefore Issue Desk staff are obliged to follow specific procedures to properly identify individuals and verify the status of University staff, students and associates before we can issue a card that provides the full range of services they are entitled to.
Information for new students
Please visit the Library Issue Desk between the hours of 9am and 4.45pm, Monday - Friday for advice and assistance in obtaining a Library card. (Please note that the Issue Desk opens from 9.30am on Wednesdays to allow for staff training).
- You will need to have completed Registration OnLine and be recorded as Registered on the University Records systems for the course or mode of study you are undertaking in order to obtain a Library card.
- Important note about using your card and replacing a card. You might also be interested in information about borrowing, renewing and reserving items.
- If you are not a current student at the University of Bath but you wish to join the Library, please see our information on external membership.
Information for new staff
Although the Library is staffed during evenings and weekends, the card-production systems are only available between the hours of 9am and 4.45pm, Monday - Friday. (Please note that the Issue Desk opens from 9.30am on Wednesdays to allow for staff training).
Please ask Issue Desk staff who will assist you in producing a card. You will need to bring at least one of the following forms of identification when you ask for your card:
- your contract of employment
- your letter of appointment
We ask for these pieces of information in order to confirm whether or not you are continuously employed or on a fixed term contract. This will allow us to set the correct expiry date on your new Library/University card. Without confirmation in the forms indicated above, information about any contractual end-dates are not otherwise available to Library Staff.
Also staff in your department should already have added your name, title, Department and University role or category to the PersonFinder Directory.
This data is used to generate the information printed on your Library card.
- Important note about using your card and replacing a card. You might also be interested in information about borrowing, renewing and reserving items.
- If you are not a member of staff at the University of Bath but you wish to join the Library, please see our information on external membership.
Important Note about Using Your Card
You must have a valid library card to enter the Library. If you have forgotten or mislaid your card, staff at the Reception Desk may, at their discretion, allow temporary access for that day. A record will be kept, and if the card is not presented on your next visit you will be required to purchase a replacement.
Your Library Card and associated PIN is for your use alone, it is not interchangeable and you cannot authorise another person to use it on your behalf. The Library Card is linked to your personal library record and makes you responsible for the items loaned on it and any fines associated with your borrower record. Please do not ask staff to provide library services using any card other than your own.
Replacement Library Card
The current non-refundable rate for replacement of a Library card is £8. If you need to purchase a replacement card, please visit the Issue Desk on Level 2 during the hours, 9am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday.