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SCONUL Access scheme

SCONUL Access scheme joining instructions for University of Bristol students and academic staff

SCONUL Access provides borrowing privileges for most:

  • Staff & research postgraduates (e.g.PhD, MPhil)
  • Undergraduate & postgraduate registered part-time, registered distance learning and placement students (6 weeks or more)
  • Full-time postgraduates

Full-time undergraduate students can use other libraries on a reference only basis.

To join:

  1. Check the SCONUL Access website to identify the member library or libraries you wish to visit.
  2. Apply to join SCONUL Access via library staff in your University of Bristol branch library.
    If you are eligible and do not have any overdue loans or outstanding library charges, you will either receive a SCONUL Access card for reference access or, if you are eligible and wish to borrow material, you will be required to complete a SCONUL Access application form. Library staff will then check your details before authorising your application.
  3. Use the SCONUL Access website to access the web pages of the individual libraries you wish to visit. Check details of library opening hours, facilities and services, especially if you have special needs and/or you are planning an evening, weekend or vacation time visit. If you have a particular query or need specialist help at the library you intend to visit, please email or telephone in advance and consider making an appointment. You will probably need to take a passport photograph with you if borrowing is required; check the SCONUL Access website for details. If you are likely to need general advice or training before using library services, please seek help from your University of Bristol subject contact or branch supervisor in the first instance.

Once you have completed steps 1-3 above, take your authorised SCONUL Access paperwork, your University of Bristol library card and a passport photograph (if required), to your chosen library. This will then enable you to register for a library card at that particular institution. During your library visits you will be required to adhere to individual library's rules and regulations, such as the paying of fines for overdue items.

Access to computer facilities (including electronic journals and databases) is not normally provided as part of SCONUL Access. The host library will also restrict the number and the range of materials that you can access and borrow.

You will be able to use SCONUL Access for three years, or the length of your course, placement or contract, whichever is the shorter period. Membership may be renewed if your course, placement or contract continues. If you have any queries about the SCONUL Access scheme, please contact library staff in your branch library or email lib-access@bristol.ac.uk.

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SCONUL Access scheme joining instructions for students and academic staff from other higher education institutions who would like to visit University of Bristol libraries

Your home institution library is responsible for explaining details of library access schemes that may be appropriate for you. Therefore, please contact your home institution library to discuss details of how to join the SCONUL Access scheme.

You will be allowed access to and, if eligible, borrowing rights from the University of Bristol library once your application is approved by your home institution library. You will not have access to computing facilities (such as electronic journals and databases), except for Library Catalogue terminals.

Visiting students will be asked to provide the following on arrival:

  • a completed and authorised SCONUL Access card
  • a home institution library / ID card for identification purposes
  • those applying for borrowing privileges will also need to provide a passport photograph

Please note: New University of Bristol library cards will not be available immediately. They may be collected on a later visit. Please contact us in advance to discuss any University of Bristol Library service or resource related issues.

Details of the branch libraries, including locations and opening hours, are available.

Information for Disabled Users

Please seek advice from your home library first should you have any support requirements, such as producing material in alternative formats.

If you have any access requirements please contact the Library Membership Services Manager, Nathalie Beaufils:

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