Qualifying UCL alumni and visitors can use UCL libraries, but must complete an online registration form before visiting.
UCL Library Membership Services during the Winter Break
Please note that the online membership registration process for new applications and renewals will close at 17:00 on Wednesday 18 December for the Winter Break. We will reopen the application process on Thursday 2 January 2025.
In addition, UCL Library buildings will be closed to non-UCL users (including UCL Alumni) during the UCL Winter Closure period from 17:00 on Friday 20 December 2024 to 09.00 on Thursday 2 January 2025.
Please bear this in mind when applying for Library membership.
Before your arrival
All applicants must complete an online registration form and have received an email confirming their library membership before arriving at the library to collect a library card.
Please ensure that you meet the criteria outlined in Specific Information for External Users, below, before applying.
Please allow up to two working days for your application to be processed and for you to be contacted to confirm that your card is ready to collect.
Please note, we no longer process walk-in new applications or renewals at our membership desks.
Restrictions on access to UCL electronic resources
Offsite access to UCL electronic resources is only available to current UCL students and staff. Other library members will be able to access some of these resources via the onsite Explore Access terminals only.
However, the Alumni Relations team does provide free access to JSTOR, Project Muse and SAGE. This is available for UCL Alumni only. Please visit the Alumni e-journal access webpage for further details.
No public access to the Student Centre
Access to the Student Centre is only available to current UCL students and staff.
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Specific information for external users
- NHS staff and students
Members of staff and students on placement at partner NHS Trusts with whom we hold a Service Level Agreement are entitled to join as a library member and take advantage of our extensive range of resources and facilities.
- UCL alumni and retired UCL staff
Ex-students of UCL are entitled to re-join the library. Reference access is free of charge; a borrowing membership requires an annual fee.
Staff who retire from UCL service are entitled to free borrowing membership.
- Members of University of London colleges
- Members of other UK and Irish universities
Information on access to our libraries for staff and students of British universities not part of the University of London.
- Students and staff from overseas universities
Visiting academic staff and research (doctoral) postgraduates from overseas universities can apply for free reference access to the library for up to a year. Other students from overseas universities must pay to use the library.
Please note: UCL Library Services will not issue invitation or acceptance letters.
- M25 employees and research postgraduates
Members of staff and research postgraduates from a number of M25 Institutions can access UCL libraries and borrow items.
- Learned Society members
Members of learned societies that have collections at UCL are entitled to join the library and borrow items.
- All other users
Information for:
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