SCONUL Access: information for students and staff from other universities
This page gives information on joining the University of Reading Library, using the SCONUL Access scheme, for students and staff from other universities.
Members of the University of Reading wanting to use this scheme should go to our SCONUL Access page for University members.
Can I use this scheme?
You must be one of the following, at an institution participating in the SCONUL Access scheme, with a valid library card for your institution:
- Staff
- Research Student
- Part-time postgraduate
- Part-time undergraduate
- Distance learning student
- Placement student
- Full-time postgraduate (at some member institutions)
Full-time undergraduates are entitled to reference access only
Please note, not every institution supports all the above categories for membership of the scheme. Please check with your home institution library that they will be able to sponsor you.
If you are a student or member of staff from a university which is not a member of SCONUL Access (which includes any university outside the UK and Ireland) then you will be unable to use the scheme.
What will I get when joining the University of Reading Library?
When you join Reading through the SCONUL Access scheme you will receive an External borrowers card. This will enable you to borrow:
- five standard loan items
- these will be issued for 3 weeks
- they can be renewed up to 5 times if not required by another user.
You will not be able to borrow 7-day or 6-hour loan materials, or journals.
You will not be able to access our e-resources, although you should be able to access your own institution's resources and the Internet via the University's Guest networks.
Membership lasts for the three years or the duration of your course or contract, whichever is the shorter, but may be renewed if your course or contract continues.
You are subject to the Library rules and are responsible for any debts or charges incurred. If necessary, any unpaid debts or charges will be reported to your home institution.
What do I need to use the scheme?
To apply for membership at Reading you must:
- be a member of a higher education institution which is a member of SCONUL Access
- be registered at your home institution library and have a current library card
- have a valid SCONUL Access card
You must complete all these steps:
- Complete a SCONUL Access application form (PDF)
- Submit your completed form to your home institution library to exchange it for a SCONUL Access card
Once you have a SCONUL Access card complete the Reading SCONUL Access application form (PDF)
To register, either:
Come to the Library
- Come to the Library, Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 17:00 or Fridays 10:00 – 17:00 and bring
- your SCONUL Access card
- your library card from your home institution (for identification purposes) - We will issue you with an External borrowers card and you will be able to borrow immediately (see details above of how many books you will be able to borrow)
Contact us to make alternative arrangements
- If you cannot visit the Library during the above hours please contact the Library (email: library@reading.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements
- You will be informed when your card is ready for collection.
- It can be collected from the Ground Floor Information Desk at the Library.
Please consult our Opening hours before your visit. You may also wish to check our Unicorn catalogue to make sure we have the items you need. Items with the location "Closed Access" or "Off-site Store" should be requested before visiting the Library as these are not immediately available on our open shelves.
Further information
- More information about the scheme and which libraries are members can be found on the SCONUL Access web site
- Enquiries about the scheme should be directed to Nick Hollis, Circulation Services Manager
Access information
Children under the age of ten are not permitted in the Library, except in certain designated areas if accompanied by a responsible person - see Children in the Library for full details.
Disabled users
- Access for wheelchair users is provided at the main entrance through the doors to the right of the revolving door. There are three lifts serving all the floors of the Library. The exit is through the door to the right of the revolving door.
Parking
- Please note that there are no parking facilities on the Whiteknights campus, unless you are an orange badge holder.