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Non-members of the University enquiring about membership or access to any of our libraries (including individual and group visits, as well as individual or corporate membership), should contact us by completing the online application form (see details below) or by contacting the Membership Services office in advance.
Permission to visit or join the library is granted subject to the approval of the Director of Library Services and subject to the conditions set out in the General Library Regulations.
Please note: Visitor access to the library does not grant any access to University computers or wireless networks. External users have no access to the University's electronic resources or facilities.
We offer a variety of categories of individual and corporate membership, including specific arrangements for free one-off visits and for school groups. Categories include: Bristol graduates, former University of Bristol staff, students and staff from other universities not covered by the SCONUL scheme, local NHS personnel, local teachers and members of some Bristol societies.
University of Bristol alumni (persons holding diplomas, certificates and testamurs of the University, and Associate members of Convocation) may apply, subject to the approval of the Director of Library Services, for free reading and reference rights, or for limited borrowing rights for a fee, currently £60 p.a. Please apply online here.
We are members of the SCONUL Access scheme, which enables most academic staff, postgraduate students, and registered part-time, distance learning, and placement students to borrow material from other SCONUL Access member libraries. Staff and students must first register with SCONUL Access before visiting the University of Bristol Library.
Both home ID card and SCONUL Access email of authorisation (or SCONUL card) must be presented on each visit. Please see our SCONUL schemes page for more information.
Students and staff from other universities, not covered by the SCONUL Access scheme, should submit an application form or contact the Membership Services Office for advice, in advance of their first visit to Bristol.
Students are expected to make full use of school, college and public library printed and online resources in support of course work, and should approach their own librarian or appropriate member of staff for advice in the first instance. They may also wish to use our Research advice for A-level students (PDF, 255 Kb) for assistance with their work.
Schools or colleges can apply for a day group visit during our summer vacation in order to show students what to expect from a University library when they study their subject at a higher level, and to gain access to specific printed resources. Any such group should be accompanied by a teacher throughout the day.
Please phone the Membership Office to discuss arrangements, or email us on lib-access@bristol.ac.uk.
We can offer these groups a library tour and a general introduction to the library’s resources during a limited number of weeks at the start of our summer vacation, subject to staff availability.
During July and August, individual students can be granted a one-off visit in order to access print resources not easily available elsewhere. They will need to submit a written application from their school or college in advance and permission must be granted beforehand. A teacher preferably should accompany the student on this visit.
All visitors to the library should discuss in advance any access requirements they might have. The Arts & Social Sciences Library and Department buildings housing other branches have Deaf Alert Pagers which are available to borrow in case of a fire alarm for D/deaf and hard of hearing visitors. Please contact the Library Membership Services Manager, Nathalie Beaufils for further information in the first instance. Email: lib-access@bristol.ac.uk. Tel: (0117) 928 8003/8277.