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UCL staff and students can use other, non-UCL libraries and catalogues, including where UCL has made special access arrangements with other UK institutions.
Contents
- Library catalogues
- Libraries with special UCL arrangements
- Other Libraries in London
- Libraries outside London
Library catalogues
Library Hub Discover
Jisc Library Hub Discover exposes rare and unique research material by bringing together the catalogues of major UK and Irish libraries. In a single search you can discover the holdings of the UK’s National Libraries (including the British Library), many university libraries, and specialist research libraries. It can be used as a key tool for checking whether items are available in the London area, before Taught Postgraduate and Final Year Undergraduate applications are made to use the British Library.
MASC25 - Mapping Access to Special Collections in the London Region
MASC25, managed by UCL Library Services, creates a unified online resource guide to printed special collections in libraries in Higher Education institutions within the M25 consortium.
Libraries with special UCL arrangements
- Birkbeck, University of London
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates can apply online for reference-only access to Birkbeck library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply online for reference-only access to Birkbeck library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply nline for borrowing access from Birkbeck library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme.
- British Library
Access arrangements for undergraduates, taught postgraduates, Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff.
All UCL students and staff can now apply directly to the British Library for reference access upon production of a full, valid UCL ID card, a further form of identification (eg. Driving License, passport), confirmation of home address (eg. utility bill, council tax bill) and proof of signature (eg. bank card). It is also helpful to have some specific ideas of the particular items you wish to consult at the British Library.
- City University, London
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates can apply for reference-only access to City University library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply for reference-only access to City University library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from City University library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library).
- Courtauld Institute for Art
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates are not generally allowed any form of access to the Courtauld Institute. Day reference access may occasionally be granted in exceptional circumstances, on a "last resort" basis. This is decided by the Courtauld Institute Librarians on a case by case basis. Please contact the Courtauld Institute directly for details but please pursue other options before approaching the Courtauld.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates studying History of Art can apply for reference only access upon production of full, valid UCL ID and confirmation of their course of study. Day reference access may occasionally be granted to other taught postgraduate students in exceptional circumstances, on a "last resort" basis. This is decided by the Courtauld Institute Librarians on a case by case basis. Please contact the Courtauld Institute directly for details but please pursue other options before approaching the Courtauld.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from the Courtauld library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library).
- Goldsmiths College
Access arrangements for undergraduates
Goldsmiths Library are currently not admitting UCL undergraduates.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
Goldsmiths Library are currently not admitting UCL postgraduates.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from Goldsmiths Library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library).
- King's College London
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates can apply for reference-only access to King's College library only to consult specific items of printed material that are not held at UCL. Access to study space is not permitted.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply for reference-only access to King's College library only to consult specific items of printed material that are not held at UCL. Access to study space is not permitted.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from King's College library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a passport sized photograph, full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library).
- London School of Economics
Access arrangements for undergraduates
LSE Library are currently not admitting UCL undergraduates.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
LSE Library are currently not admitting UCL taught postgraduates.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff may apply to the LSE Library to access archives or collections unique to the LSE. Applications can be made via their membership page and it can take 10 working days for them to reply.
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Access arrangements
All UCL staff and students are able to access LSHTM's Library. Access is on a reference only basis and borrowing is not allowed. Please visit the LSHTM's homepage for further details and contact information.
- Queen Mary, University of London
Access arrangements for undergraduates and taught postgraduates
UCL undergraduates and taught postgraduates are automatically eligible to apply for one free day of reference access from QMUL Libraries. UCL undergraduate and taught postgraduates who need longer term access to QMUL Libraries should arrange this by submitting a written request (after claiming their initial free day pass) to:
Library Visitor Card Applications
The Library
Queen Mary, University of London
Mile End Road
London E1 4NSYou should mention which collections you wish to use.
Full details on using the library.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from QMW library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a passport sized photograph, full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library). You need to register online first.
- Royal Holloway
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates can apply for reference-only access to Royal Holloway library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply for reference-only access to Royal Holloway library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from Royal Holloway library under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a passport sized photograph, full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library). Prospective users should be aware that there may be a 24 hour interval between submitting an application for such access and the membership card being ready.
- Royal Veterinary College
Access arrangements
All UCL Staff and Students are able to access Royal Veterinary College's Library if they make an appointment in advance. Access is on a reference only basis and borrowing is not allowed. Please visit the Royal Veterinary College homepage for further details and contact information.
- School of Advanced Study
The School of Advanced Study is an association of academic institutions specialising in post-graduate courses and research.
Access arrangements for undergraduates
There are no access arrangements for UCL undergraduates at SAS institution libraries. Access may occasionally be given in cases of genuine academic need but this must be arranged through consultation with the SAS institution you wish to visit.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply for reference-only access to SAS institution libraries upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from SAS institution libraries under the SCONUL Access Band 'A' scheme upon production of a passport sized photograph, full valid UCL ID and a SCONUL Access Band 'A' card (obtained through UCL library). Borrowing access is not available in those institutions whose collections are wholly reference only. Please visit the relevant home page for details.
- Senate House Library (University of London)
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates can apply for borrowing access to the Senate House Library, allowing them to borrow up to eight books at a time, upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply for borrowing access to the Senate House Library, allowing them to borrow up to ten books at a time, upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil students and staff can apply for borrowing access to the Senate House Library, allowing them to borrow up to twelve books at a time, upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
- SOAS
Access arrangements for undergraduates
UCL undergraduates can apply for reference-only access to SOAS library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for taught postgraduates
UCL taught postgraduates can apply for borrowing access to SOAS library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Access arrangements for Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff
UCL Ph.D. and Mphil. students and staff can apply for borrowing access from SOAS library upon production of a full and valid UCL ID card.
Other Libraries in London
University libraries in London area (no special UCL arrangement)
Details of access for UCL staff and postgraduate research students to university libraries in the London area, but not included in the special arrangements group, can be found at the Access25 website or through checking the home pages of the site you wish to visit.
Public and general use libraries
You can join the City of London Library. You can search their catalogue and other online resources by visiting the eLibrary.
Details of your local public library, and information on how to join it, can be found at the UK government's website.
Institute and Museum Libraries
- National Art Library
Access arrangements for UCL members
UCL staff and students are able to use the National Art Library at the V&A Museum as members of the public. To qualify for a Reader's ticket, please take a proof of home address plus either passport, National Identity card, photo driving licence, Student identity card, British Library card, Bank or credit card or Official identification card from recognised place of work (provided it includes a photograph or signature).
- Natural History Museum Library
Access arrangements for UCL members
UCL staff and students with a genuine academic need can apply to the Natural History Museum Library for membership and applications are decided on a case by case basis. People wishing to use the library are asked to contact the Natural History Museum Library directly in advance of their visit.
- The National Archives
Access arrangements for UCL members
The National Archives web site gives helpful hints on how to plan a visit, how to obtain a reading card and access to their catalogue.
- Science Museum Library
Access arrangements for UCL members
UCL students and staff can have a free reference user ticket from the Science Museum Library as members of the public. Some proof of identity is required, eg. Passport or Driver's license.
- Wellcome Library
Access arrangements for UCL members
UCL students and staff can have a free reference user ticket from the Wellcome Library as members of the public. Some proof of identity is required, eg. Passport or Driver's license plus a proof of home address.
Libraries outside London
Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL)
UCL staff and students may be eligible to apply for membership of libraries outside London as part of the SCONUL Access Band A scheme or the Sconul Summer Vacation Access scheme.
Please note that UCL is not part of the SCONUL Access Band 'B' or Band 'C' Schemes.
SCONUL Access Band A Access Scheme
The SCONUL Access Band A scheme is available to UCL staff and Ph.D. / Mphil students. Such people wishing to use the scheme should visit the SCONUL Access webpage to complete the online registration form. The SCONUL Access Band A confirmation email and UCL ID card are then taken to the institution you wish to visit to gain preferential access there. Further information can be found on the SCONUL home page.
Please note that the SCONUL Access Band A scheme does not apply to undergraduate or taught postgraduate level students.
Sconul Summer Vacation Access Scheme
The Sconul summer vacation access scheme is available to all UCL undergraduates and taught postgraduates. It allows for reference only access to participating institutions during their summer vacation periods. To qualify for such access, UCL students need to take full, valid UCL ID to the institution they wish to visit during the institution's vacation period. Further information can be found on the SCONUL web page.
Please note that the SCONUL summer vacation scheme does not operate during the winter and spring vacations. Institutions will be operating to normal term-time access policies during the winter and spring vacations.