Library and IT Self Help

SCONUL Access is a reciprocal borrowing scheme between participating higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland. Your university or college must be part of the scheme to apply. You are eligible if you are a:

• Staff member on an open or fixed term contract
• Postgraduate research student
• Part-time student
• Distance learning student
• Placement student (full time student on a placement of 6 weeks or more)
• Full-time taught postgraduates

If you are a full-time undergraduate student you may be able to use the resources of other college and university libraries for reference (you are not able to borrow).

• You must apply online. Make sure you select your University or College.

• You will receive a SCONUL Access confirmation email.

• Please forward your confimation email to libraryanditenquiries@plymouth.ac.uk.

• Wait for a confimation email from us with further instructions, and details of when you can come and collect your card.

Depending on your eligibility you may be able to borrow up to 6 books. You will not have any access to our online resources or bookable study rooms.

Please bring your card every time you visit the library as you will be unable to enter without it. Access is between 0800 - 1800.

You are only eligible to apply if you are considered a student or member of staff of the University of Plymouth with your course or employment validated with full library privileges here.

Staff and students at partner college institutions on franchised courses are not eligible for access under the terms of the scheme.

• Your library account must be clear of any overdue books or charges.

• You will need to apply online.

• You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been approved subject to your eligibility. Take this, with your University of Plymouth ID card, to the library you wish to visit.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students following taught courses at institutional members of SCONUL will be granted reference use of other SCONUL libraries free of charge during the summer vacation.

You will need to present proof of your enrollment at a University or College of Higher Education (this could be a current University card). The full SCONUL application will not normally be neccessary to show. 

The scheme does NOT provide for borrowing, or access to electronic sources of information. It is for reference access only. 

While we will do our best to honour this scheme, there may be special circumstances that mean that mean we are unable to take part, such as unplanned building works.