SCONUL Access visitors

Students from Higher Education institutions participating in the SCONUL Access scheme may access the University of Bath Library.

You should apply to join the scheme via the SCONUL Access website. Your application will be reviewed and approved by your home institution. You will be sent a confirmation email by your home institution that can be presented to other libraries participating in the scheme to gain entry. This email will indicate the Banding associated with your membership of scheme (as detailed below).

Successful applicants should provide their confirmation email and their home library ID card as proof of their eligibility to use the library they are visiting. You need only apply once to the Access Scheme so the same email confirmation is valid across all participating libraries.

Library staff will specifically need the information listed in the section of the confirmation email titled Your application details:

Expiry Date
User Band
User Type
Library ID
Application status

The bands are defined as:

Band A: staff (both academic and support staff) and research students
Band B: part time, distance learning and placement students
Band C: full time taught postgraduates
Band R: reference access to full-time undergraduates (and some other users not covered by the banding agreement).

For SCONUL Access users to obtain a University of Bath Library card for access to the building, we recommend that you contact the Library Issue Desk prior to your visit, so we can prepare the card for your arrival.

Further details for obtaining a SCONUL Access members card are shown on the following webpage.

Please be aware that a Study Space booking and reservations system is in place for University of Bath students. You may of course sit wherever there is a free space, but please be prepared to relocate if a Bath student advises that they have reserved that space. You will find that seating on Level 2 (the entrance level) of the Library is not bookable and is available on a first come first served basis to students and visitors alike.

Currently it is recommended and expected that library users wear a face covering while moving around the Library. Once seated, you may remove your face covering if you wish. Please sanitise your hands regularly and wipe down your study space before use using the supplies provided throughout the building.

University Alumni

We welcome applications to join the Library from alumni. As an alumni member you will have continued access to five selected online resources, where licences allow this. You will be able to borrow up to 5 books at a time if you visit the Library in person with a Library card.

Please visit our Library Services for University Alumni webpage for further information and details of how to apply.

Visitors from other Universities

We welcome visitors from other Higher Education institutions to visit the Library on a reference only basis.

Please present your University/Student identification to staff in the Library entrance area to be granted entry.

Please be aware that a Study Space booking and reservations system is in place for University of Bath students. You may of course sit wherever there is a free space, but please be prepared to relocate if a student advises that they have reserved that space. You will find that seating on Level 2 (the entrance level) of the Library is not bookable and is available on a first come first served basis to students and visitors alike.

External members of the Library

We are now able to reinstate external/visitor memberships and when we do all memberships will be re-set for a year at no cost to you, please contact Library staff via library@bath.ac.uk in the first instance in relation to starting or reinstating your paid membership and we will advise accordingly.

For new members please note there is an annual membership charge of £150.

This grants you a membership card to enter the Library at any time and the means to borrow up to 5 books at a time subject to our usual circulation rules.

Please contact the Issue Desk team via library@bath.ac.uk if this membership would benefit you.

Please be aware that a Study Space booking and reservations system is in place for University of Bath students. You may of course sit wherever there is a free space, but please be prepared to relocate if a student advises that they have reserved that space. You will find that seating on Level 2 (the entrance level) of the Library is not bookable and is available on a first come first served basis to students and visitors alike.

School and College visits to the University Library

At this time access to the Library is limited to members of the Library and visitors from other Higher Education institutions.

Unfortunately, we are unable to host School and College visits to the Library at this time. Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Please keep check on this page again for updates as the situation develops.

Members of the public

At this time access to the Library is limited to members of the Library and visitors from other Higher Education institutions.

Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome members of the community to the Library. Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Please keep check on this page again for updates as the situation develops.

Visitor access to the University Library

Advice for Alumni, SCONUL Access users, Schools, Colleges and members of the public about how and when you may enter the Library.