On Monday 15 November, SCONUL confirmed that the Access Scheme was available again after a period of suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 many of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland.

If you are a:

• postgraduate research student registered for a PhD, MPhil or a similar qualification.
• part-time, distance learning or placement student.
• full time postgraduate.
• a member of staff (both academic and support staff) on an open or fixed term contract

you may be able to borrow from other participating college or university libraries.

SCONUL Access does not offer borrowing privileges to full time undergraduates. However, some institutions offer reference only access.

To join, visit the SCONUL Access website.

Existing SCONUL members

If you have already signed up to use SCONUL Access it is worth noting that some libraries have chosen not to participate in the access scheme at this time. You are not guaranteed access to an institution because you previously used it. Please check the SCONUL Access website for an updated list of those libraries taking part.

If the Library you used to visit is still a member, please contact them first before visiting, you may need to reapply first if your approval has expired. Do not visit the Institution until your new application has been approved.

Before your first visit

After a prolonged period of closure for the scheme please expect delays in processing applications at first. We will work through them as quickly as possible in order of submission. We welcome your patience at this time.

Please respect the rules, regulations and COVID-19 guidance in place at any library you’re visiting. Guidance is likely to vary from library to library, so it’s important that you check the website of the library you’re visiting to ensure you know what guidelines are in place. When in doubt please contact the library you intend to use in advance of your first visit. Some libraries may ask you to complete a registration form before your first visit. You might also want to find out what proofs of identity and address that library requires and ensure you bring them with you.

Other schemes

If you’re interested in finding out about other schemes that might be available, please take a look at our using other libraries page.

Students and Staff from other Universities

Being a member of the SCONUL Access scheme means students and staff from other Universities will be welcome to use Augustine House and Salomons Institute Library as long as their home Institution is a member. We have guidance for students and staff who wish to use Canterbury Christ Church University as part of the SCONUL Access scheme on our webpages.

The Universities at Medway, Drill Hall Library, is also part of the SCONUL Access scheme and a separate account can be setup to make use of the Drill Hall Library. See the Drill Hall Library webpages for more details.