Joining the Open University Library

All Open University staff, associate lecturers and students can access the full range of the library's online resources and other services by logging in to the Library Services website using their usual OU computer username and password. Other people can use a range of the library's services. There are different services and arrangements for each kind of member. The benefits and what you need to do to access them are described below.

Help on how to use online resources and on how to  borrow, renew and return items is available from Help & Support. Library Services requires all customers to abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Open University Students

You do not need to join the library, or hold a card to access the Open University Library's online resources, you just need to use your usual OU computer log-in (OUCU) and password when you log in to the website.
You can apply for a SCONUL Access card so that you can access libraries at other universities if you are studying a module that is valued at more than 15 points. Once you have applied for your card, it will be posted out to you within 7 working days.
If you live near the Open University Walton Hall Campus (Milton Keynes), you can:

• use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study.
• access the guest wifi network with your Open University username and password
• apply for a card that will enable you to borrow books and other resources from the library, and use the Library's PCs. You need to do this the day before you wish to use these services. You can search the collections held at the Library building in Milton Keynes by using the library catalogue.

Library Services also offer an increasing range of online resources and specific services for disabled OU students. 

Open University Staff

Before you use library services you will need to activate the barcode on the back of your staff ID card by visiting the library or using the online registration service. Please allow 24 hours for this to complete before using the library.

You will then be able to:

• access the Open University Library's online resources
• borrow books and other resources. You can search the collections held at the Library building in Milton Keynes by using the library catalogue.
• use document delivery services to borrow materials the Open University does not have
• apply for a SCONUL Access card so that you can access libraries at other universities. Once you have applied for your card, it will be posted out to you within 7 working days.

If you work in an OU Regional or National Centre loans your request will be sent to your work address.

You can also use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study, and use the Library's computing facilities. 

Open University Associate Lecturers

You can use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study, and use the Library's computing facilities.

You will need to apply for a card if you wish to access or borrow resources from the OU Library. Your Library Card will be posted to you. Please allow 7 working days for delivery. You will then be able to:

• access the Open University Library's online resources.
• borrow books and other resources directly from the library or reserve them using the library catalogue and they will be posted to your home address

Open University full and part time research students

You can use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study, and use the Library's computing facilities.

If you are a full time research student based at Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes you will need to register online. This will activate the barcode on the back of your ID card. If you are a part time research student, or not based on campus you can register online. Your card will be posted out to you. 

Once you have a library card you will be able to:

• access the Open University Library's online resources.
• borrow books and other resources. You can search the collections held at the Library building in Milton Keynes by using the library catalogue.
• use document delivery services to borrow materials the Open University does not have
• apply for a SCONUL Access card so that you can access libraries at other universities. Once you have applied for your card, it will be posted out to you within 7 working days.

Retired members of staff

Services for retired OU staff are available through the Retired Staff Association. If you are not already a member, please register with them first and then apply for a card to be able to borrow books and other resources. You can search the collections held at the Library building in Milton Keynes by using the library catalogue.

Whether or not you are registered you may:

• use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study. There are sockets available for you to plug in your own laptop, but no internet access.
• access publicly available e-resources. 

If you are an emeritus professor you are eligible for the same services as a member of staff but you will not be eligible for postal loans. 

Students and staff from other educational establishments

Students and staff from universities which are members of SCONUL have more services available to them. You need to ask your home institution for a SCONUL card before visiting the Open University Library if you wish to use these services.

If you are a current student or member of staff at another university you may:

• use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study. There are sockets available for you to plug in your own laptop, but no internet access.
• access publicly available e-resources.
• search the collections held at the library building in Milton Keynes by using the library catalogue and borrow up to six books for a month
• use our computing facilities and have wifi access, if you bring your current University library card and your SCONUL Access card from your home institution, when you visit.

You will also need an Open University Library card. Students over 18 registered on a current course at University College Milton Keynes or Milton Keynes schools and colleges, can also request an Open University Library card to use these services. There is no cost for this service.

Members of the public and alumni

Alumni and other members of the public may join the library. Membership is free to alumni, and others can join as paying guests for £40 a year. This allows you to borrow up to six books. You can search the collections held at the library building in Milton Keynes by using the library catalogue.

Whether or not you are a member you may:

• use the facilities at the Open University Library, Walton Hall as a reference facility and as a quiet place to study. There are sockets available for you to plug in your own laptop, but no internet access.
• access publicly available e-resources. Alumni also have access to additional resources through the alumni website.