To use the British Library reading rooms, you will need a Reader Pass. Pre-book an appointment online to request or renew your pass. You can find further information on the British Library website.
As a student here, you'll be able to join or visit a range of other academic libraries in the UK, as well as order books from other libraries.
You can search the catalogues of academic libraries in London and the South East on the Search25 website and can also use the COPAC website to find resources in the UK's major research libraries.
Individual, online library catalogues can also be searched - talk to your Academic Liaison Librarian for guidance and tips.
Other university libraries
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you to visit a range of other academic libraries for reference and, in some cases, to borrow items too.
The scheme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students here, as well as most academic staff and research students. It is not open to alumni, visitors of the University or short course students and the staff who teach them.
The reciprocal access scheme is run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) and most university and college libraries in the UK and Ireland are participants.
How do I join the scheme?
To check your eligibility and join the scheme, visit the SCONUL Access website.
Accessing the libraries during vacations
During vacation periods, you can use your University ID card to access other academic libraries for reference.
Note that associate students can use this scheme only if their College is a SCONUL member.
Visit the SCONUL Vacation Access Scheme webpage for details.
University College London libraries
Staff and postgraduate research students have access to UCL Library Services via the SCONUL Access scheme.
Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students do not have access to UCL Library Services.
British Library
The British Library is the UK's national research library and contains some of the best collections in the world, including over 45,000 electronic journals and 800 electronic databases.
Most resources are only available from British Library workstations within the library's reading rooms and Business & IP Centre.
The British Library is open to all, but where possible you should first try to find the items you need in other academic or public libraries.
Society and museum libraries
Many societies and museums have libraries and archives that may be useful to you.
Speak to your Academic Liaison Librarian for advice on available libraries for your subject.