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Sconul - Access to Other Libraries -FAQ

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

Reference only - Full time undergraduates - only where Band B access is offered

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. http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/members.

How can I access other university libraries?

You need to apply for a Sconul Access card, which you have to show with your student/staff ID card, when visiting your chosen institution.

How do I apply for a Sconul Access card?

To apply for a Sconul Access card, you have to download, complete and return the application form to your campus library. Please download here: http://www.access.sconul.ac.uk/users_info/application_form_pdf.    

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.
  • Please note: Access does not generally include network or database access, except see for UK Computing Plus scheme. 

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Using electronic resources at other libraries

UK Computing Plus

Access to electronic resources is available through the UK Computing Plus scheme.

UK Computing Plus is an extension to the UK Libraries Plus scheme. Libraries in membership of the scheme may choose to offer access to library-based computers for visiting students registered as borrowers under the scheme. The level of access will depend on the institution. Some may offer access to licensed software applications, some may allow access to electronic information services licensed for use by visitors, and some may simply offer access to the Internet.

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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.

Please find further information on the Sconul Vacation access website.

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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.

Inform 25

This allows you to search the same university library catalogues simultaneously for books.

Libraries In the UK via the NISS Information Gateway.

A good way to find a particular University library in the UK.

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.

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Any questions?

Please contact Win Pang via mail w.pang@uel.ac.uk or phone 020 8223 3309.

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