External staff and students

SCONUL Access: information for students and staff from other universities

Staff and students from other Higher Education Institutions that are members of the SCONUL Access scheme are welcome to join the Library at Walton Hall in order to borrow books and use the computing facilities provided. 

Library e-resources found via the Library catalogue are password protected, but free access to selected e-resources is available via the Publicly Available e-resources database.

• To obtain a free Open University library card you will also need proof of current SCONUL Access membership showing the expiry date and Band category allocated.
  No photograph is required and the Open University Library card should be ready to collect within 2 working days 
   
• Please collect your card during opening hours. You will need to show all of the documentation below:
  a) Proof of student or staff membership of your University 
  b) Proof of your home address, eg current utilities bill or bank statement
  c) Proof of current SCONUL Access membership showing the SCONUL Band and the expiry date allocated
   
• To check if your University is a member of SCONUL Access use the SCONUL Access pages
   
• SCONUL Access membership  can be requested online, or contact your University Library for guidance
   
• Free weekly Wifi logins are available from Customer Services on production of your Open University library card and proof of current SCONUL membership showing the SCONUL Band and the expiry date 
   
• Eduroam is accessible within the Library if you already have a login from your University
   

Staff and students at non-SCONUL Universities or other HE Institutions may use the Library at Walton Hall for reference and study purposes only.

Students over 18 who are registered on a current course at University College Milton Keynes or are at local colleges and schools can apply for an Open University Library card to join if they wish to use these services and borrow books from the Open University library.

The University Archive holds historical materials of the Open University and unique research collections. You will need to make an appointment with the University Archive team to view the collections.

Open Research Online is the Open University's repository of research publications and other research outputs. It is an open access resources that can be searched ad browsed freely by members of the public.