Introduction to Library Services
Monday, 24 April, 2023 - 20:00
Learn about the online library, how to find help and support, and how to access key services to help with your studies or work at the OU.
Your gateway to a wide range of online information resources
OU students and staff who wish to use space and physical resources in libraries near where they live can take advantage of the following options:
The Open University is a member of the SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) Access scheme. SCONUL Access enables eligible OU students and employees living in the UK or the Republic of Ireland to use and borrow books from other participating university libraries, or visit them for a quiet place to study. Most of the university libraries in the UK (and some in the Republic of Ireland) are participating in the scheme.
The following Open University students and employees are eligible to apply:
When your access period expires you can re-apply, as long as you are still eligible.
The OU's SCONUL Access Policy defines the principles of SCONUL Access membership at the OU, including how we respond to infringements at host libraries.
From 1st December 2022 you no longer need to have an OU Library card to join the SCONUL Access scheme
You can apply for or renew SCONUL Access at any time during your module, provided you are fully registered. Your application may not start being processed until two months before your module start date if you apply in advance. It may take up to 21 working days to process your application, so do apply early enough to accommodate this.
Make sure you select Distance Learning Student for Step 1 of the SCONUL Access application form, and Open University for Step 2.
Where you are asked for the ‘Library or ID Card number’ on the SCONUL Access application form, please type in:
Once your application has been approved, an official SCONUL Access Acceptance email will be sent to the email address you used on the application (make sure to check your spam or junk folder for this)
Then you need to take 2 items with you when you visit your chosen library:
Acceptable photographic ID are:
If you have an Open University Library card, you can also take this with you, however, your chosen library will require one of the ID listed above. If you are at all unsure, please check with your chosen library which form of ID they will accept before visiting them.
You do not need to apply for an Open University Library card unless you are visiting the Open University campus library.
You can find and complete the application form at the SCONUL Access website. Note: once your application has been approved, you can use any of the libraries on this list. You need not reapply for each library.
NOTE : Please be aware that should you be under the age of 16, you would need your Parent/Guardian's consent to join the Sconul Access scheme.
The online application form will have specific tick boxes for this information.
The OU offers eduroam (education roaming), a free service which provides Wi-Fi Internet Access when you visit other academic libraries near where you live. More information on how to connect to eduroam can be found on the page Connecting to eduroam (requires login).
Participating libraries sometimes choose to offer specific services that are not automatically included in the SCONUL Access membership, such as access to computer facilities or online library resources. To avoid disappointment, remember to contact your chosen library ahead of your visit to confirm their registration requirements and to check what services are offered for your Sconul Access band.
To find out which Sconul Access libraries are currently accepting Sconul Access students/staff:
https://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access / Sconul Access / Step1 Distance learning student or Academic and Support Staff / Step2 Open University / Find / Select Map or List
For current guidance on planning your visit at your chosen library please refer to the Sconul Access website.
The Open University Library is a member of the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries (SCURL). Most SCURL libraries can be accessed by joining SCONUL Access.
Academic staff and Postgraduate research students can join SCURL Research Extra to gain access to specialist libraries that are not members of the SCONUL Access scheme. To apply for SCURL - complete the online Sconul Access application, and in the space with your Library ID/ include the words "and SCURL"
Open University students and staff are entitled to apply for a pass for the British Library's St. Pancras reading rooms in London or Boston Spa, Yorkshire.
The Library building at Walton Hall is open to all for reference and study purposes. For information about using the Wi-Fi see the Library at Walton Hall page. To see if you are entitled to any other services such as borrowing books, check the Borrowing at the Walton Hall Library page.
Check the opening hours of the Library building and Customer Services before you visit.
Here are some options you may wish to explore:
Monday, 24 April, 2023 - 20:00
Learn about the online library, how to find help and support, and how to access key services to help with your studies or work at the OU.