SCONUL Access

Using other university libraries

SCONUL is a joint venture between higher education libraries in the UK. It enables eligible students to use other university libraries. Many students use this scheme if they live far from their campus.

The SCONUL scheme is available to students of Middlesex, Solent and Ulster Universities, and University of Roehampton. It is not available to the students of London Metropolitan University.

Please note - if you wish to connect to wifi when visiting a different institution, please use the Eduroam network.

To apply for access to another university library, you must register with the SCONUL scheme as follows:

  1. Go to the SCONUL Website and select the 'SCONUL Access' tab.

  2. Select your user type and your home institution (ie., the university name).

  3. Click Find (to identify the library you wish to visit). From the results list, select your chosen library.

  4. Click on Apply for Access, fill in the registration form and Submit.

A notification will arrive at the library you have chosen to visit. They will check your eligibility to join SCONUL and send you an email response. If they approve your SCONUL membership, this approval is only valid for three weeks. If you don't visit your chosen library within this time, you will have to apply again. If they decline your SCONUL membership, please double-check with a member of the QA library team.

  • Always take a copy of your approval email and your student ID card when you visit your chosen library.

  • Different libraries have different access rules for SCONUL visits. Some libraries may allow you only reference access, others may allow you to borrow books. They will inform you of this when you arrive/enquire.