Information for University of Bristol staff and students

As a student or member of staff of the University of Bristol, you will have full and appropriate access to our libraries and library resources, printed and electronic, in accordance with the General Regulations for the use of the Library.

Please remember to carry your UCard, which also acts as your library card, at all times.

For information about obtaining your UCard when you first arrive, and to report and obtain replacements for lost or damaged cards, and other card-related queries, please refer to the guidance from Card Services, now based at Royal Fort Lodge, Tyndall Avenue.

For any queries about your library registration or membership, including any as a result of a change in your status at the University, please check with the Membership Services office in the Arts & Social Sciences Library.

Students please note: Library borrowing privileges are set for the expected duration of your course – a date which is usually earlier than the expiry date on your UCard. Any extension to your borrowing rights must first be authorised by your School or Faculty office.

Additional information about using the University of Bristol Library

Additional information is available for disabled users and, for others who have additional support requirements or particular problems getting to and using our libraries (including part-time and distance users), we offer additional library support through our AddLibS service.

Using other university libraries

You can also benefit from year-round access to, and in some cases borrowing rights at, other HE libraries in the UK and Ireland, thanks to our membership in the reciprocal scheme, SCONUL Access. You will need to fill in an application form, to be authorized by University of Bristol library staff, in advance, in order to take advantage of this scheme.

If you are an undergraduate or a taught postgraduate, you may be allowed reading and reference access, under the terms of the SCONUL Vacation Access scheme, during the host institutions' vacations only, by presenting your UCard on arrival.

If you need to use other libraries which are not members of the SCONUL Access schemes, we advise you to check individual home guidelines before your visit.

You can apply for access to the British Library using their online application form.

Access to the University library for students on courses bearing fewer than 60 credits

If you are registered on a course that bears fewer than 60 credits, you can obtain a library card by completing an application form, available from the Membership Services office in the Arts & Social Sciences Library.