Information for Visitors
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Access information for visitors to the University of Bath Library
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 a selection of online resources under Walk-In Access arrangements. 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 as indicated below. If you do not have a valid University of Bath library card, you will be required to sign a visitors book before entering. The Library building is usually open every day of the year but before travel, please check the opening hours to find out when services are staffed and also check news on the library homepage for any notifications of changes to staffed services or opening hours.
Please note the advice given for the following categories of visitor:
- SCONUL Access: Upon your first visit you must produce both a valid library card and the printed official confirmation email (or a valid SCONUL card) from your home insitution as described in the SCONUL Access registration process. Depending on the user category allocated by your home institution, you will be able to use us for reference purposes, or you may be allowed to borrow items. You can apply for SCONUL Access online via your home library. SCONUL Access visitors can enter the building on any day but we ask that you arrive after 9am and leave before 9pm. New SCONUL Access cards can only be created at the Issue Desk on weekdays between 9am and 4.45pm.
- 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. New or renewed Alumni cards can only be created at the Issue Desk on weekdays between 9am and 4.45pm when the library is staffed. Applicants for Alumni membership who graduated from the University of Bath more than 12 months ago are subject to a membership fee. The Alumni membership does not include a University username and password or access to the networked computers in the library. Link to further information to applying for Alumni membership of the Library.
- Visitors from institutions with university status: Visitors from other higher education institutions can enter the building on any day but we ask that you arrive after 9am and leave before 9pm. When you visit you must produce proof of current university membership. You will be required to sign a visitors book before entering. You will only be able to use the library in a reference capacity and do not have any automatic borrowing rights.
- External Members: If you are not eligible to borrow items under the SCONUL Scheme, you could you apply for External membership to obtain a library card with some borrowing rights and be able to visit the Library any time that it is open. Applicants for external membership are subject to an annual fee. New External Membership cards can only be created at the Issue Desk on weekdays between 9am and 4.45pm. Link to further information to applying for External Library membership.
- School and 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. Groups of students from schools and colleges may only visit the library by prior arrangement.
- 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 obtained prior permission from the University Librarian or a member of senior library staff. 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.
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. 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) these are reference only materials for use in the library only. IMPORTANT NOTE: a large number of theses from the period 1986-2007 are unavailable due to a digitisation project taking place during Summer 2013. 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. All library visitors will need a photocopy 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.
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.
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.
Travelling to the University
See our guidance on travelling to the University which includes directions and a campus map. Please note that all the car parks on campus are Pay and Display and visitor spaces may be limited at certain times of day.
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.
Wireless Access on Campus
From June 2013, visitors will now need to use the _The Cloud for public Wi-Fi access. _The Cloud has many new benefits for visitors as it is free, fast and you can download _The Cloud's fast app to your device. This allows you to highlight hotspots and make it simple to login. More information on Computing Services webpage