Using other libraries and
SCONUL access

Jump links

Public and special libraries

Public libraries are open to everyone for reference purposes.

To join a library and borrow books is free — you generally need to fill in an application card and bring proof of your address such as a bill less than three months old and proof of your signature, for example a credit card or passport. If you're under 18 you'll need an adult to fill in the form for you and provide proof of their address and signature.

The central reference library for each authority can be a good source of information and many public libraries have special collections in particular subjects.

We have institutional memberships of a number of organisations. Members of the University of West London in some cases have access to the institution library or other benefits.

Further information can be found in reference works such as the:

  • ASLIB Directory of Information Sources in the United Kingdom, 11th ed
     
  • ASLIB, 2000 (SMR: QR B2 026.0002541ASL; Slough: 026.0002541ASL)

SCONUL access

The SCONUL access scheme gives you access to books and journals at other libraries

We are a member of the SCONUL access scheme: a cooperative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland granting reciprocal access to eligible students and staff.
Find out more about this scheme on the SCONUL website

Find out more about accessing resources whether you are UWL staff or student or visiting us from another institution.

Please note that we are unable to complete any new registrations for Sconul Access or the local resident scheme from Saturday 21 December 2024 until Monday 6 January 2025 and you will not be able to use the Paul Hamlyn Library during this period unless you are an existing member of these schemes and have your ID card.

SCONUL access FAQs

Student working on her laptop

SCONUL access: UWL students/staff visiting other UK higher education (HE) Institutions

In most cases, eligible UWL undergraduate students applying to another UK university library will be given access for reference only, with no borrowing rights.

Academic staff, most postgraduate students and part time, distance learning and placement students are entitled to limited borrowing rights.

  • How to apply for SCONUL access

    To apply for SCONUL access please complete the online application form.

    • You should allow up to five working days for your SCONUL Access application to be processed. Please be aware that no applications can be approved at weekends. 
       
    • You will receive two emails:

      1.  to inform you that your application has been sent for approval

      2. to confirm whether your application has been approved or declined

    If your application has been approved, you must take this second email confirming your SCONUL access band and expiry date to the library you wish to visit, along with your UWL ID card.

    Please note that your application may be rejected if you have outstanding charges or overdue loans on your UWL library account.

  • Are there any restrictions to access?

    Access to other libraries is often restricted during exam periods.

    You are strongly advised to check the institution's own website for information before visiting it.

  • Can I use the wifi and computer facilities at other institutions?

    If the institution you wish to visit also uses the Eduroam wifi connection you will be able to use this to connect your laptop or other devices.

    You will not usually be able to use another institution's computer facilities or electronic resources.

  • Can I get SCONUL access during holiday periods?

    UWL students are also entitled to use any UK university library that is a member of the SCONUL scheme during that institution's holiday period, for reference purposes only.

    Note: you would need to show your Student ID card.

  • Can I access a resource without visiting another institution?

    If another institution has a resource you are looking for but you don't want to visit it you may be able to get it via Inter-Library Loan.

Students/Staff from other UK HE institutions visiting UWL

Library reception at St Mary's Campus

SCONUL access: students/staff from other UK HE institutions visiting UWL

Find out more about SCONUL access if you are a visiting student from other UK HE institutions

Read our Library Services Privacy Notice for library visitors

  • What access to resources will I have?

    In most cases, eligible undergraduate students will be given access for reference only, with no borrowing rights.

    Academic staff, most postgraduate students, and part time, distance learning and placement students are entitled to limited borrowing rights as follows:

    • Bands A-C – You can borrow up to four seven-day loan items. You may not borrow Reference, next day or same-day loans. 
    • Band R – You can use the library for reference purposes. 

  • Your first visit

    Any student wishing to use the Paul Hamlyn Library or Reading Campus Library through the SCONUL Access Scheme is required to register with us as a UWL Library SCONUL Access user.

    You must bring with you: 

    • a valid library or student ID card for your home institution

    • a copy of the email you will have received from your home institution granting permission to use the scheme. This can be printed or displayed on your phone

    • a passport-style photo from you (please see guidelines below)

    This initial visit must be from Monday-Friday only between 9am-5pm. You will be refused entry if you arrive outside of these hours for your initial visit. If you are unable to make this initial visit at these times, please contact library@uwl.ac.uk and we can see if we can help you.

  • What happens on this first visit?

    At this first visit, a member of Library Staff will register you as a SCONUL Member with borrowing rights, or with Reference Only access.

    Having registered you are welcome to use the library on that day. However, to access the University and library in future visits we will need to produce for you a UWL Library ID Card. To produce this we require a passport-style photo from you (please see guidelines below). Once we receive your photo your card will be ready to collect at your next visit (ID Cards take 48 hours to process and produce).

    We will email you to confirm that your card is ready for collection.

    Use of the library under this scheme is for the registered SCONUL Access Scheme member and cards are not transferable.

    Misuse of the card will result in access being revoked and should you lose it, there will be a charge of £10 for a replacement.

  • Subsequent visits

    Any student wishing to use the Paul Hamlyn Library through the SCONUL Access scheme is permitted to use the library at any time including during term time overnight opening provided that you enter the building before 9:30pm. You will only be allowed access with the following pieces of ID which you are required to keep with you at all times and show to our security team on each occasion that you enter the building or to any other member of UWL staff upon request.

    • Your home institution library or student ID card
    • The UWL Library ID Card issued to you which must be visible at all times

    You will not be allowed entry to the Paul Hamlyn Library after 9:30pm during overnight periods even if you have the required permissions.

  • Conditions of membership

    Membership of the SCONUL Access Scheme for Students/Staff from Other UK HE Institutions visiting UWL is for one year and will terminate on 31 July each year.

    If you choose to renew your membership, you will need to re-register with us by 31 July each year, otherwise, your membership will expire and your card will no longer work.

    Should you choose to renew, your current card will be reactivated.  However, if you should choose not to renew, you must return your UWL ID card to us as it will no longer be valid.

    All records are destroyed after 1 August each year unless you renew in which case your details are retained by UWL ID Cards until you cease to be a member of this scheme.

    ID Cards are issued to the registered member and are not transferable. Misuse of a UWL ID card will result in suspension of membership with continuing access to UWL facilities prohibited.

  • Access to the UWL Library during UWL holiday periods

    Access to the UWL Library during UWL vacation periods is permitted only during campus opening hours:

    See our opening hours page for the most up to date information. 

    As stated above, our libraries exist primarily to support the teaching and research needs of our own students and staff. During busy periods, it may be necessary to restrict access to the libraries under this scheme, and we reserve the right to suspend new registrations and refuse entry where necessary.

  • Will I have access to wifi?

    All SCONUL access members have access to the University wifi via Eduroam or as a guest. 

  • Are there any restrictions?

    SCONUL access members are currently unable to:

    • access UWL networked services including PCs, Macs, printers and Library e-resources
    • borrow reference, next day or same-day loans
    • use our lockers

  • How can I apply to use the UWL Libraries under the SCONUL scheme?

    In order to use UWL libraries under the terms of this scheme, you will first need to complete the online application form. If your application is approved you will be sent a confirmation email from your home institution. Please allow for up to seven days for your application to be processed, and note that your application may be rejected if you have outstanding fines or overdue loans at your home institution.

    Note: Access to use our facilities applies only to the University libraries at our West London and Reading campuses. Access to the Reading Campus Library will only be during its scheduled opening hours.

  • UWL ID card photograph guidelines

    The photograph you send us must meet the guidelines in the list below and must be a true likeness of you. The guidance below will help you send a suitable photograph and will help avoid the need for us to request another photograph. An appropriate passport-style photo taken on a mobile phone is acceptable. However, if you choose to use a professional photographer please ensure that the photographer is aware of the standards required.

    The photograph must be:  

    • In colour, not black and white  
    • Taken within the last month  
    • Free from shadows 
    • Taken with your eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or tinted glasses, and no hair across your eyes) 
    • Free from reflection or glare on glasses, and the frames must not cover your eyes (where possible, we recommend that you remove your glasses)  
    • Free from red eye and with a neutral expression
    • Of you facing forward, looking straight at the camera  
    • Taken of the full head, without any covering, unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons
    • Taken against a plain white, light grey or plain cream background  

Selected London libraries

  • Barbican Library

    Address: Barbican Centre, London EC2Y 8DS
    Tel: 020 7638 0569
    Nearest Tube: Barbican
    Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:30am-5:30pm; Tue 9:30am-7:30pm; Sat 9:30am-12:30pm
    Subjects: music, fine arts, performing arts
    Access: open to all for reference

    Go to the Barbican Library website

  • British Film Institute, Library and Information Services

    Address: 21 Stephen Street, London W1P 1PL
    Tel: 020 7255 1444
    Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
    Opening hours: Mon, Fri 10:30am-5:30pm; Tue, Thu 10:30am-8pm; Wed 1-8pm
    Subjects: world cinema; UK television

    Go to the British Film Institute, Library and Information Services website

  • British Library

    Address: St Pancras, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
    Tel: 020 7412 7676
    Nearest Tube: King's Cross St Pancras
    Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-6pm; Fri-Sat 9:30am-4:30pm (Readers Admission Service - hours for specific collections vary)
    Subjects: humanities; social sciences, business, science and technology
    Access: Postgraduate students and members of academic staff are entitled to a free Reader Pass that will give access to all the resources and expertise of the British Library

    Undergraduates will be given access only if the required material is not readily available elsewhere. To obtain a Reader Pass you will need to provide proof of signature (eg a bank or credit card, passport, driving licence) and proof of home address (eg a utility bill, bank statement, driving license). All users need to take proof of identity and two passport photos.

    Visit the British Library website for more information

  • British Library Business Information Service

    Collection housed in British Library, see above.
    Nearest Tube: King's Cross St Pancras
    Opening hours: Mon 10am-8pm, Tue-Thu 9:30am-8pm; Fri-Sat 9:30am-5pm
    Subjects: business information on markets, products and companies
    Access: Readers Pass is required

    Go to the British Library Business & IP Centre website

  • British Library National Sound Archive

    Collection housed in British Library, see above
    Tel: 020 7412 7418
    Nearest Tube: King's Cross St Pancras
    Opening hours: Mon 10am-8pm, Tue-Thu 9:30am-8pm, Fri-Sat 9:30am-5pm
    Access: Reader Pass required

    Go to The National Archives website

  • British Library Newspaper Library

    Address: Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HE
    Tel: 020 7412 7353
    Nearest Tube: Colindale
    Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
    Subjects: British and foreign daily newspapers and some weekly journals
    Access: open to anyone over 18 with proof of identity

    Go to the British Library Newspaper Library page

  • British Library of Political and Economic Science (London School of Economics)

    Address: 25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2
    Tel: 020 7955 7229
    Nearest Tube: Chancery Lane
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
    Subjects: economics; politics; social sciences
    Access: free entry is allowed during vacations Student ID will be needed. During term time a fee of £7.50 per day is charged

    Go to the British Library of Political and Economic Science, (London School of Economics) website

  • British Tourist Authority/English Tourist Board, Commercial Information Library

    Address: Thames Tower, Black's Road, London W6 9EL
    Tel: 020 8563 3011
    Nearest Tube: Hammersmith
    Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-5pm
    Subjects: tourism; leisure management
    Access: open to visitors by prior appointment. There is a charge for students to use the library

  • Brunel University Library

    Address: Uxbridge UB8 3PH.
    Tel: 01895 274000 ext.2787
    Nearest Tube: Uxbridge
    Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-7pm; Sat 9:30am-1pm; Sun 2-7pm
    Holiday hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
    Subjects: science, social science / technology, education and design technology at Runnymede Campus, Egham
    Access: reference access only

    Go to the Brunel University Library website

  • Canning House Library (Hispanic and Luzo Brazilian Council)

    Address: 2 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PJ
    Tel: 020 7235 2303
    Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner (Exit 5)
    Opening hours: Mon 2-6:30pm; Tue-Fri 9:30am-1pm, 2-5:30pm
    Subjects: for books and information on Latin America, The Caribbean, Portugal and Spain
    Access: open to any member of the public for reference

  • City Business Library

    Address: 1, Brewers' Hall Garden, London EC2V 5BX
    Tel: 0207 332 1812
    Nearest Tube: Moorgate
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm
    Subjects: management; finance; banking; industry data; market research; company data
    Access: open to all but users from outside the City are asked to try their local library first

    Go to the City Business Library website

  • Ealing Central Library

    Address: 103 Ealing Broadway Centre, Ealing, London W5 5JY
    Tel: 020 8567 3670
    Nearest Tube: Ealing Broadway
    Opening hours: Tue-Thu 9:30am-7:45pm, Fri-Sat 9:30am-5pm
    Subjects: general reference library
    Access: Open to all

  • French Institute Library

    Address: 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT
    Tel: 020 7838 2144
    Nearest Tube: South Kensington
    Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 11am-7pm; Sat 12-3pm
    Subjects: French language and literature
    Access: open to all for reference. Charges are made for borrowing

  • German Historical Institute London (GHIL)

    Address: 17 Bloomsbury Square, London, W1
    Tel: 020 7309 2019
    Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
    Opening hours: Mon, Thurs 10am-8pm; Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-5pm
    Subjects: German history and politics
    Access: open to all. You will require proof of ID and a passport size photo to obtain a readers ticket

    Go to the GHIL website

  • Goethe Institut Library

    Address: 50 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2PH
    Tel: 020 7596 4040
    Nearest Tube: South Kensington
    Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-1pm
    Subjects: German language and literature
    Access: open to the public. Free access for reference only. £10 per year to borrow. Proof of address will need to be shown

  • Hotel Catering and International Management Association (HCIMA) Library

    Address: 191 Trinity Road, London SW17 7HW
    Tel: 020 8772 7400
    Nearest Tube: Tooting Bec
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9pm-5pm
    Subjects: hospitality, management, tourism
    Access: members free. Non-member students need to produce ID cards. Daily charge. Further details available from the Enquiry Desk, St Mary's Road Library

  • Institute of Education Library

    Address: 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL
    Tel: 020 7612 6080
    Nearest Tube: Russell Square
    Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-9pm; Fri 10:30am-7pm; Sat 9:30am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm (no services)
    Holiday hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-6pm; Fri 10:30am-6pm
    Subjects: education, ELT
    Access: Students can use the library if the material they want is not available elsewhere
    Charges: reference only - daily £5, weekly £15, monthly £30; Borrowing - annual £120

  • Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

    Address: IPD House, 35 Camp Road, London SW19 4UX
    Tel: 020 8971 9000
    Nearest Tube: Wimbledon
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:15am-5pm
    Subjects: personnel management; industrial relations; employment law
    Access: non-members are allowed access to the library for a fee of £50 a day

    Go to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development website

  • London Business School

    Address: 25 Taunton Place, London NW1
    Tel: 0171 262 5050
    Nearest Tube: Baker Street
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm; Sat 9am-5pm
    Holiday hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat. 9am-5pm
    Subjects: management and business management; marketing; economics; accounting
    Access: staff and PhD students are given free access. Proof that you are a PhD student is needed. Other students are allowed to use the library for reference for a fee of £30 a day

  • London Library

    Address: 14 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LG
    Tel: 020 7930 7705
    Nearest Tube: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus
    Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 9:30am-5:30pm; Thu 9:30am-7:30pm
    Subjects: art; history; humanities; literature; politics; social sciences
    Access: annual membership, which includes borrowing rights, is £150 A fee of £18.50 will give one month's access for reference only. An application to the London Library Trust may result in up to half the annual fee being paid for people on low incomes

    Go to the London Library website

  • National Art Library, Victoria & Albert Museum

    Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
    Tel: 0207 942 2400
    Nearest Tube: South Kensington
    Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm
    Subjects: fine and applied art; design; book production and the art of the book
    Access: undergraduates can apply for a pass which will allow them up to five visits to the library in a year. Postgraduates and staff can apply for a full readers ticket which gives unlimited use of the library

  • Office for National Statistics (ONS), National Statistics Information and Library Service

    Address: Drummond Gate, 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ
    Tel: 020 7533 6257
    Nearest Tube: Pimlico
    Opening hours: 9am-4:30pm
    Subjects: Collection of UK official statistics
    Access: open to all

  • Royal Geographical Society

    Address: Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR
    Tel: 020 7591 3040
    Nearest Tube: South Kensington
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm
    Subjects: geography; cartography
    Access: the University of West London is a corporate member and passes for the library can be borrowed from the Library's Enquiry Desk. Access is by appointment only

    Go to the Royal Geographical Society website

  • University of London Library

    Address: Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU
    Tel: 020 7862 8500
    Nearest Tube: Russell Square
    Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-6:30pm; Sat 9:30am-5:30pm
    Holiday hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm; Sat 9am-5:30pm
    Subjects: arts; humanities; social sciences
    Access: term: A fee of £7 a day or £25 a week is charged for reference use only

    Go to the University of London Library website

  • Westminster Reference Library

    Address: 35 St Martins Street, London WC2H 7HP
    Tel: 020 7641 4636 (General enquiries), 020 7641 4634 (Business and EU enquiries)
    Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
    Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-5pm
    Subjects: general reference library; also has a European Documentation Centre and holds most UK government publications including parliamentary papers from 1906
    Access: open to all

  • The Women's Library

    Address: London Guildhall University, Calcutta House, Old Castle Street, London E1 7NT
    Tel: 020 7320 1189
    Nearest Tube: Aldgate East
    Opening hours: Mon 10:15am-8:30pm; Tues closed; Wed 9am-8:30pm; Thu-Fri 9am-5pm
    Holiday hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 9am-5pm
    Subjects: women's studies with emphasis on Britain, historical and contemporary material.
    Access: open to all. Daily charge £1.50 to students undertaking research. Fee for borrowing £7 per annum for students

Get in touch

Student reading in library

In-person: Visit the Help Zone, ground floor at our Ealing & Reading sites. Find out the library opening hours.

Email us: library@uwl.ac.uk

Social media: Twitter

Telephone:  Ealing: 020 8231 2405  /  Reading: 020 8209 4434  (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Need help? Chat with us.

 

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