Sconul - Access to Other Libraries -FAQ

What is Sconul Access?
- How can I access other university libraries?
- How do I apply for a Sconul Access card?
- Things to remember
Students on vacation
British Library
Useful resources
Any questions?

What is Sconul Access?

Sconul Access is a scheme, which enables students and staff to use other university libraries for either reference and study, or borrowing if appropriate. Bands A, B, C have borrowing rights; see below for eligibility:-

Band A - Lecturers, staff and research students (PhD)

Band B - Part-time undergraduates / part-time postgraduates / long distance learners

Band C - Full-time postgraduates

Band R - Full time undergraduates – reference access only

Not all university libraries permit access to all bands - such as LSE. Certain university libraries might only permit band A card holders, for example UCL or King’s College London. Students are always advised to check beforehand.

How can I access other university libraries?

You need to apply for approval first. When you have been approved, take your printed confirmation email and UEL ID card to the library you have applied for and register there. Please note, registration may only be available during library staffed hours, please check before you make the visit.

How do I apply for a Sconul Access card?

To apply to join the Sconul Access scheme go to http://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access and answer the questions on the form.

Things to remember:

Cards are issued on condition your library record is valid and clear from outstanding fines.
You are advised to check opening times and accessibility issues before visiting your chosen institution.
Computer, IT facilities and e-resource access are generally not included under Sconul Access. For wireless access please check Eduroam.

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Students on vacation

During summer vacation period, Sconul vacation access operates. This enables students to visit participating libraries upon production of a university ID or student card without a Sconul card.

Borrowing privileges and access to electronic databases are NOT included in this scheme.

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British Library

To use the British Library, you will need to register for a reader pass directly from the British Library. Two forms of identification and your UEL ID card will need to be required for registration.

Further information can be found at: http://portico.bl.uk/services/reading/admissions.html

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Useful Resources

The British Library	The website for the national library, includes the British Library Integrated Catalogue.
The Consortium of University Libraries (COPAC)	COPAC is a new national Online Public Access Catalogue, providing unified access to the online catalogues of some of the largest university research libraries in the UK and Ireland.
Union List of Serials	This allows you to search all the university library catalogues in London and the South-east simultaneously in order to find out where a journal is held. Select Union List of Serials from the search box at the top of the screen.
Search 25	Search25 helps users to discover resources across London and the South East, and provides information on how to visit different libraries.
The European Library	The European Library provides free access to the combined resources of the national libraries of Europe.
Library of Congress World Wide Web Home Page	This gives access to one of the World's largest library catalogues.
Newham Libraries WebPAC	Newham's online library catalogue.