Other libraries

For most courses, the wide range of online information resources available via this website will be sufficient.  However, we acknowledge that Open University students and staff sometimes need to use other libraries to borrow books, to use collections for reference, or as a quiet place to work or study. 

National Schemes

SCONUL Access

If, after your course has started, you want to use other university libraries then you can use the SCONUL Access  scheme to gain access to and borrow books from most university libraries in the UK (and some in Ireland).  The following categories of OU member are eligible:

• undergraduate students (other than those registered only on short courses of 10 or 15 points)
• postgraduate students on taught courses (non-research)
• postgraduate research students registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification
• staff on open or fixed term contracts

 How do I join SCONUL Access?

1. Visit the SCONUL Access website  to find out which libraries near you will give you borrowing rights. This is especially important for students from Ireland where access is limited to only a few libraries.

2. Complete an OU Library registration form and a SCONUL Access application form and post both forms together to SCONUL Access scheme, Open University Library, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA.

• If you wish to email your forms to us, please note that we can only accept your SCONUL Access form if it is signed (an electronic signature is acceptable).
• On the SCONUL form, leave the field 'Library/ID card number (home institution)' blank.
• Both membership cards will be sent to you by post.
• Please allow 21 working days for us to process your application.  Therefore, apply for membership more than 1 month before your course finishes.

3. Use the SCONUL Access website to access the website of the library you wish to join to find out about:

• opening times of the library
• whether you need passport size photo(s) to go on their card
• issuing restrictions on new tickets

4. Take both cards with you to the library you wish to join and apply for their membership card.

How many items can I borrow and can I use their computers?

The number of items you may borrow, and the length of the loan will vary from library to library. You are responsible for all fines and charges associated with any items that you borrow.

SCONUL Access does not provide automatic rights to computer facilities, but many member libraries do provide some access. If you have any comments or would like any further information, please contact us.

When will my SCONUL Access membership expire?

For undergraduate and non-research students, your SCONUL Access card will be valid for 9 months from the date of issue. Membership is not open to students registered only on short courses (10 or 15 points). 

For staff and research students your SCONUL Access card will be valid for up to three years, or until your course or contract ends, if earlier.

How do I renew my SCONUL Access membership?

Please submit a new SCONUL Access application form entering your OU Library barcode number in the space for 'Library/ID card number (home institution)'.  If you want your membership to be continuous, please leave enough time for us to process your form (note the number of working days above).

Regional Schemes

Scotland

The OU Library is a member of the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries (SCURL) .  Most SCURL libraries can be accessed by joining SCONUL Access.  However, academic staff and postgraduate research students can join SCURL Research Extra to gain access to specialist libraries that aren't members of the SCONUL Access scheme.

To join this scheme, complete the SCURL Research Extra application form  and follow steps 2 to 4 above.

London

The OU Library is a member of the M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries .  Nearly all M25 libraries can be accessed by joining SCONUL Access.  However, their Visit a Library  tool has useful information for academic staff and postgraduate research students on how to access specialist libraries that aren't members of the SCONUL Access scheme.

Those who have a London borough public library card may use the Libraries and Learners in London  scheme to visit selected specialist or academic libraries in London. However in most cases it is preferable to join SCONUL Access.                                                                                            

Open University students and staff are entitled to apply for a pass for the British Library's St. Pancras reading rooms in London.