Information for University of Bristol staff and students

As a student or member of staff of the University of Bristol, you will have full and appropriate access to our libraries and library resources, printed and electronic, in accordance with the General Regulations for the use of the Library.

Please remember to carry your UCard, which also acts as your library card, at all times. The UCard is the property of the University of Bristol and you can only hold one UCard.

For information about obtaining your UCard when you first arrive, and to report and obtain replacements for lost or damaged cards, and other card-related queries, please refer to the guidance from Card Services, now based at Royal Fort Lodge, Tyndall Avenue.

For any queries about your library registration or membership, including any as a result of a change in your status at the University, please check with the Membership Services office in the Arts & Social Sciences Library.

Students please note: Library borrowing privileges are set for the expected duration of your course – a date which is usually earlier than the expiry date on your UCard. Any extension to your borrowing rights must first be authorised by your School or Faculty office.

Additional information about using the University of Bristol Library

Additional information is available for disabled users and, for others who have additional support requirements or particular problems getting to and using our libraries (including part-time and distance users), we offer additional library support through our AddLibS service.

Using other university libraries

Staff and students are able to use other academic libraries within the UK via a scheme called SCONUL Access. SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. The scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland and the University of Bristol is a member.

If you are:

• an academic on an open or fixed term contract
• a postgraduate research student registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification
• a part-time, distance learning and placement student, or
• a full-time postgraduate

you may be able to borrow from other college or university libraries.

If you are:

• a full-time undergraduate student, or
• staff of a small number of higher education libraries not participating in the scheme

you may be able to use the resources of other college and university libraries for reference.

Using the British Library

You can apply for access to the British Library using their online application form.

Access to the University library for students on courses bearing fewer than 60 credits

If you are registered on a course that bears fewer than 60 credits, you can obtain a library card by completing an application form, available from the Membership Services office in the Arts & Social Sciences Library.