Information for Visitors
Access & opening hours
All visitors: we welcome visitors to the Library, but we have strict rules about when they can enter. Admission does not entitle you to use the computers except for a number of computers which are dedicated to searching the catalogue and accessing online resources. Please be aware that unaccompanied children under the age of 16 will not be granted access. When you arrive, please report to the University Reception Desk in the Library entrance with appropriate identification. You will be required to complete registration before entering. Before travel, please check the opening hours to find out when services are staffed and also check news on the library homepage of any notifications of any changes to staffed/opening hours. Please note the following categories
- SCONUL Access: visitors from institutions with university status: you can can enter the building on any day but we ask that you arrive after 9am and leave before 9pm. The Library is usually open every day of the year: opening hours & staffed services. You must produce both a valid library card from your home institution and a SCONUL Access card. Depending on your user category, you will either be allowed to use us for reference purposes only, or you may also be allowed to borrow items: apply for SCONUL Access.
- External Members: If you are not allowed to borrow items under the SCONUL Scheme, you could borrow items and visit the Library any time that it is open. if you apply for External membership. If you are a member of the University Alumni: membership is free for 12 months from your graduation date on production of your letter from the Alumni office, or your Degree Certificate. Opening hours & staffed services.
- Other visitors: you can enter the Library during any weekend throughout the year or any day during the University vacation, but we ask that you arrive after 9am and leave before 9pm. If you want to visit at any other time, you must have obtain prior permission from the University Librarian. Admission does not entitle you to borrow books unless you have become an External member. The Library is also a member of the INSPIRE Access Scheme. This enables members of the public to request that their local public library refers them to a higher education library.
Visitors with Disabilities
We provide services for anyone who may need extra help or support, such as those with hearing or visual impairment, mobility impairment, autistic spectrum disorders, dyslexia, or other requirements. Library users who need such support are very welcome to visit an Information Point or contact their Subject Librarian so that we can discuss your individual needs.
School & college visits to the University Library
Find out more about the support we offer you from our school and college visitor page. Discover why you should visit, when and how to arrange a visit, plus who to contact and what resources are available to you.
Finding books, journals & theses
Information about all Library stock is available via the Library Catalogue. You can also access this using a number of the dedicated computers located throughout the Library. You can search the catalogue by author, title, and keyword (in the anywhere field). Subjects are arranged on different floors of the Library. Staff at the Information Points on each floor will answer any brief questions that you may have. In general terms, you will find:
- Humanities, Social Sciences, Health and Management on Level 5
- Science, Medicine and Sport on Level 4
- Engineering, Design and Literature on Level 3
- Postgraduate dissertations & theses are kept within closed access sections: they can be requested at the Main Counter on Level 2 (the Ground Floor)
Archives
The University Archives contain both documents relating to the University and also archival special collections connected with local residents or members of the University. Anyone with a genuine interest is welcome to use the archives, which can be viewed by appointment between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Tel: +44 (0)1225 383464. More information.
Photocopying
The Copy and Print department contains self-service copying equipment and is located at the back of the Library, Level 2, in the north-east corner. To photocopy, you will need a card, which you can obtain from the vending machine situated in the north-west corner of the Library on Level 2. The card costs £2 and contains 50p worth of credit. You may add credit to this initial balance if you wish using the adjacent value loader machines. Please refer to our tariff here. You must photocopy within the limits set by copyright law. Further information about the Copy and Print Service.
Travelling to the University
The University is situated on Claverton Down, and is approached by North Rd and Quarry Rd. From the North (A46) and East (A4), look for signs for the A36 (Warminster). North Rd is on the right, 300 yards after joining the A36, signposted Claverton Down. From the South and South West, approach via Claverton Down Rd and Norwood Ave. The Library is located in the centre of the campus, on the central pedestrian thoroughfare, The Parade: campus map. Buses provide a regular service to the campus from the city centre (and sometimes from Bath Spa University). More information - including arrangements for car parking.
Online resources: walk-in Access
The walk-in access service enables visitors to view a range of electronic resources (e.g. e-journals, e-books and databases), whose licence agreements allow use by visitors to the Library. We regret that the Library cannot allow access to the full portfolio of online resources due to the terms of the licence agreements of some publishers.
Access to these electronic resources is available via the dedicated catalogue terminals located throughout the Library. You do not need to log on. Under the terms of the publishers' licences, visitors can only view online resources while physically in the Library. It is not possible to print or save material.
See the Guide to accessing research information for free, which includes links to websites that may help you locate journal articles and other information within Education and Science from home.
School & college visits to the University Library
Find out more about the support we offer you from our school and college visitor page. Discover why you should visit, when and how to arrange a visit, plus who to contact and what resources are available to you.
Wireless Access on Campus
BTOpenzone wireless hotspots are now available on campus where you see the sign shown here. More information on Computing Services webpage
