SCONUL Access visitors
Arts & Social Sciences Library closure, summer 2025
The Arts & Social Sciences Library will be closed from 8pm, Thursday 12 June for approximately 12 weeks whilst we create some new spaces on the ground floor. During this time, the Day Reader Scheme will run from the Education Library, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What is SCONUL Access
SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. The scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland.
You will need to apply for SCONUL via the SCONUL Access website. Your home library will process this, and then you will receive a SCONUL email of authorisation putting you in band A, B, C or R. If you are not eligible for SCONUL access then you can use our Day Reader pass instead.
Reading and Reference access
We allow all SCONUL Access visitors (bands A, B, C and R) to use the Arts & Social Sciences Library for reading and reference access without applying in advance. Bring your authorisation email and a form of ID to receive a visitor day pass. This will allow you to:
- Access to the Arts and Social Sciences Library between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Sunday. To use our lift please ask for an additional lift pass at the desk.
- Read print books within the library and request print books from other libraries for consultation at the Arts and Social Sciences Library via our Book Retrieval Service
- Use our free wifi on your own device and these freely available research resources. Unfortunately, you will not be able to use our PCs, printers or eResources.
- Passes are suspended during busy times in the academic year, such as assessment periods in December and April-May. During these periods, a notice will be put on the visitor pages.
Register for borrowing
SCONUL Access visitors in bands A, B and C (except band R full-time undergraduates) can also apply for a borrowing card. This will allow you to:
- Borrow up to 5 print books simultaneously
- Access to the Arts and Social Sciences Library and Wills Memorial Library
- Read print books within the library and request print books from other libraries for consultation at the Arts and Social Sciences Library via our Book Retrieval Service
- Use our free wifi on your own device and these freely available research resources. Unfortunately, you will not be able to use our PCs, printers or eResources.
You can register for a borrowing card by emailing lib-access@bristol.ac.uk with:
- a copy of your SCONUL email of authorisation
- a completed SCONUL Borrower Card form 2024 (Office document, 36kB)
- a scan or digital photo of the front and back of your university/library ID card
- a recent, colour, ID photograph of yourself as jpeg attachment (to passport-standards, see Photo instructions (PDF, 288kB)).
How to check if the book you need is available and order books from other libraries.
Preparing for your visit
How to check if the book you need is available. How to confirm that you will be able to access it.