Using the Library
What is SCONUL Access?
London Metropolitan University is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme. SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows staff and students from participating institutions to visit the libraries of other member institutions. The scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland.
Staff, postgraduate and part-time undergraduate students may also be able to obtain borrowing rights, although this will vary between individual libraries.
SCONUL Access: staff and students from London Metropolitan University
I am a London Met staff member/student, which other libraries can I visit?
- The SCONUL Access scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland so have a look at participating libraries.
- You will not be able to access their subscribed e-journals, databases or other e-resources.
- Check the library website of the institution you are visiting before making the journey in case a passport photo or any further identification is required.
How do I apply?
Register to join the scheme by completing the SCONUL Access application form from the link above. You must use your London Met email address to register.
Application requirements:
- You do not need to make multiple applications.
- Providing your library account shows no overdue items or outstanding charges, you will receive an e-mail showing acceptance of your application.
- Be ready to show your acceptance email - printed or on your mobile device - and your staff / student ID card when you go to the institution you wish to use.
Student FAQs are available on the SCONUL Access website.
Can I use their resources?
WIfi: If the institution you are visiting provides Eduroam wireless access you should be able to connect to this as a London Metropolitan University student. Check our Wifi access details for more information.
e-resources: You will not be able to access their subscribed e-journals, databases or other e-resources.
SCONUL Access: staff and students from other universities
I am from another university, can I use London Met libraries?
- If you have a current SCONUL Access card or approval email from your home institution you may use our libraries.
- You can access wifi via Eduroam (if your home institution uses the Eduroam service).
- There is no access to general IT facilities.
- If your current SCONUL Access card or approval email has expired, please reapply.
- Student FAQs are available on the SCONUL Access website.
How do I apply?
In order to register all SCONUL Access members visiting London Metropolitan University libraries for the first time, applicants must complete the London Met SCONUL Access application form prior to attending the library. Applicants must bring with them on their first visit:
- A copy of your SCONUL registration email which clearly states your Band (A, B, C or R), an expiry date which is more than 1 calendar month in the future and the details of the representative of your home institution.
- Your home institution ID card.
Please ensure you arrive before 5.30pm Monday to Friday on your first visit to ensure entrance.
You will be given a London Met SCONUL Access card in due course which will expire at the end of your SCONUL Access registration period.
Borrowing rights for Bands A, B and C cannot start until you receive the London Met SCONUL Access card although you may visit for reference only purposes with your SCONUL registration email and temporary access card.
SCONUL summer vacation access
SCONUL summer vacation access allows students and staff from UK universities who are institutional members of SCONUL to use our libraries by showing a valid University ID card during the summer vacation. You do not need to be a SCONUL Access scheme member.
Access25 Scheme
- Access25 offers access to scholarly and specialist libraries not included in the SCONUL Access scheme. See the list of institutions in the Access25 scheme. The scheme is open to postgraduate research students and staff from M25 member institutions.
NB: please check current access arrangements with individual libraries before setting out
Public and special libraries
There are opportunities to use the various reference and specialist libraries in London.
The British Library
The British Library is a reference library offering access to material not available elsewhere.
The British Library is continuing to experience a major technology outage as a result of a cyber-attack.
Their Reading Rooms in London and Yorkshire are open, but access to the collection and online resources is limited.
Please see what is currently available and search their catalogue.
Access to Research Scheme
Over 10 million academic articles are available, free of charge, in libraries participating in the Access to Research scheme.
Local public libraries
Use Find a Local Library to search for a public library near you as they may have some of the resources you need for your studies, free WI-FI and computers to use.
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City of London Libraries
- This site allows you to search the collections and community information resources of a range of libraries, museums and archives across London.
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Small business research and enterprise centre
- Formerly called "City Business Library" you can find access to business information sources including market research, UK and international directories, reports of international organisations and periodicals.
- There is a free and also a subscription membership: the free membership offers remote access to four databases, the subscription membership remote access to 10 databases. All members can visit the Centre and access all resources free of charge and business students and academics are also welcome to sign up.
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Guildhall Library
- Holds the "The Stock Exchange" and "Lloyd’s of London" archives and printed collections and "The City of London Livery Company" archives.
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Islington Libraries
- All Islington's libraries are free to join and have free public computers, Wi-Fi and internet access.
- Local History will also be open for pre-booked appointments only Please email local.history@islington.gov.uk