Many UK universities are part of a reciprocal access scheme called SCONUL Access. This grants borrowing privileges to many types of library users working or studying at participating higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland.
SCONUL Access provides borrowing privileges for most:
- Academic staff (on open or fixed term contracts)
- Doctoral researchers (registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification)
- Part-time, distance learning and placement students
- Full-time postgraduates
- Students on placement of more than six weeks
SCONUL Access also provides a reference only service (i.e. you cannot borrow resources) for most:
- Full-time undergraduate students
- Staff of a few higher education libraries not participating in the reciprocal borrowing arrangements
For further details please visit the SCONUL website.
If you are a Brunel Student, click through to the SCONUL website and complete the application form. This sends us your application for processing. We undertake to process your application within 1 working day as far as possible. As long as you are fully enrolled, do not have overdue books or fees on your Library account, your membership will be approved and you will receive a membership email. You will need to show a copy of this at the University Library you wish to access. Please also check each Library's website to see if there are any other steps you need to take, opening hours etc.
Non-Brunel students will need to apply in the same way, using their home university in the "Attending" field. The time frame for processing applications varies by institution.
