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Using Other Libraries: Home

Using Other Libraries


What is SCONUL?

The SCONUL scheme offers access and borrowing rights for academic staff and research, part-time, distance learning, postgraduate and placement students at participating higher education libraries. Reference only access for full-time undergraduates.

Full details of the SCONUL Access scheme, including a list of all member libraries, are available from the SCONUL website. To access other universities, you need to apply online for SCONUL access. You will receive a SCONUL Access e-mail to your DMU e-mail address, which you’ll need to print off and present, along with your De Montfort ID, at those libraries you wish to use.

SCONUL Vacation Agreement

Vacation access to higher education libraries for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students.

De Montfort University students on undergraduate or taught postgraduate courses will normally be granted reference use of other higher education libraries in the UK or Ireland during vacations. Please note that this applies to the vacation periods of the library you choose to visit.

When visiting another library you should take your De Montfort University library card with you as proof that you are a current student. You are strongly advised to check the website of the library you intend to use for vacation dates, opening hours, any additional documentation required etc. Further details of the SCONUL Vacation Agreement can be found on the SCONUL website.

Public Libraries

DMU staff and students are welcome to join public libraries local to where they live, work or study - free of charge.

This may include:

  • Leicester City Council which operates 16 libraries across the city
  • Leicestershire County Council with 53 libraries throughout the county
  • Rutland County Council managing 4 libraries in Rutland

Public libraries provide free access to a wide range of digital and physical resources, including books, magazines, and newspapers. They also offer access to computers, Wi-Fi, printing, study spaces and information.

To learn more about how to join, and to explore the services and resources available, please contact your local public library

University staff and students wishing to carry out research at the British Library are subject to their standard admissions criteria. Proof of home address (utility bill, bank statement, driving licence) and signature (credit card, passport, driving licence) are needed. Students may also be asked to present student ID cards.

Full details of how to apply for a reader's pass are available on the British Library web pages.