Public Access to Computing and Library Facilities

As the Library is currently closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, there is no access to Library and IT facilities for existing public members, and we are not processing external membership applications.

If you are a public member and currently have some books on loan from us, please keep them safe until we are able to reopen again. No one will be charged overdue fees for the closed period.

If you have questions about your membership, please contact borrower.queries.

The library welcomes members of the public to use our library and computing facilities. We also participate in various reciprocal schemes for students and staff of other institutions, for more details see Using Other Libraries. If you wish to visit the library you can find the library staffing and opening hours here.

Public access to computing facilities

Anyone who is not a member of the University and is over 18 can register to use some of our IT facilities. You will need to present two recognised forms of identification, one of which must include your current address, at the help centre in the library.

People using our library for short periods (allowed in on a guest pass) will normally be given a username and password that expires after 4 hours. Public Members or those covered by SCONUL Access also get access for 4 hours but will get a username and password that lasts the lifetime of their membership.

Registered users get:

• use of public access PCs on Floor 5 of the library
• access to the internet and Microsoft Office through these PCs
• ability to print
• access to a range of databases (a link to these is on the public access PCs desktop)

Public access to library facilities

We welcome members of the public to use our library facilities for reference purposes free of charge. Just bring along two forms of recognised identification (one to include your current address) to our reception desk and you will be issued with a guest pass.

You can use all available print and some audio-visual materials (subject to policy and licensing) and gain access to our Archives and Special Collections (may require appointment).

Public Membership scheme

Anyone who is not a member of the University and is over 18 can pay to become borrowing members of the library under the Public Membership scheme.

There are several categories of Public Membership:

Please see the Public Membership leaflet 2017-18 for more details including a range of other services available when you join. The IT and Public Members flier also specifies what IT Support is available.