Using other libraries

Finding things in other libraries

Search local, UK & international catalogues

Using 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 you 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. How to register:

Find out which other libraries you might be able to use by checking the SCONUL Access website as follows:

You will be asked to select which type of student you are from a list of options. Then, you select your home library, i.e. University of Bath, from a drop-down menu of institutions. The Library is listed under B.

Finally, you can opt to select a specific library to find out whether you are permitted to visit it. Alternatively, you can request a list of potential libraries to visit. Please note whether these libraries allow you to use them for reference purposes only, or whether you can borrow items from them as well.
Download and complete a registration form. Before your registration form can be authorised, you will need to pay off any outstanding library fines and charges at the University of Bath.
Visit the Main Counter on Level 2 of the Library between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Ask any member of the Issue Desk Services to authorise the registration form and create a SCONUL Access card. The card will state in which user band you belong.

Alternatively, post a completed registration form to SCONUL Access Enquires, Issue Desk Team, Library & Learning Centre, Claverton Campus, University of Bath, BA2 7AY. The card will then be posted to your address. The SCONUL Access card will be issued for either the duration of your library registration or for three years (depending on which is the shortest period of time).
When you visit the other library, take both your SCONUL Access card and your University of Bath library card. Check the individual library's website in advance to find out when it is open. You should be free to visit the library at any time it is open.
More information about SCONUL Access

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

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:

The Library