Visit

Visiting the Library

The University of Warwick Library offers different types of memberships with different levels of access to our spaces and resources.
Whether you are a prospective student, an alumnus, or member of the public, we welcome you.
School and college students (Years 12/13) can use the Library's collections and spaces for the duration of their studies.
Our new community membership replaces the 'external membership'. If you currently hold a paid external membership, please contact us so we can update your membership.
If you are interested in joining the Library, please browse our range of available memberships. If you're unsure which membership suits you, please contact us.
Please note that proof of ID is required.

Keep your belongings safe!: How to take care of your personal belongings in the Library.

Existing members

University of Warwick staff and students

You automatically become a member of the Library when you start your course or your appointment
Your University ID card is also your Library card. You will need this to get into the Library and to borrow items. To avoid delays at the entrance gates please have your card ready to scan on the card readers.
If you are a new member of staff, please feel free to check our Library Induction for University of Warwick Staff course.

Lost University ID cards

Use the online form to report a lost or stolen card or report to staff at University House reception desk and at the Student Information Centre, Senate House during normal office hours. For more information visit Lost cards.

Important information: Until you report your card as lost, the card will remain valid and so you are liable for e.g. any access to buildings, any books borrowed from the Library using the card.

Children or dependents in the Library

There may be an occasional need for children (under the age of 18) to accompany academic staff or students when they visit the Library. The Library cannot, however, assume responsibility for the safety of children. Library staff may have to ask customers to leave if they feel that their children are disturbing other customers or are not adequately supervised.

Computers in the Library are provided for the use of students and staff, with a valid customer name and password and should not be used by children.

External visitors

All external visitors

Library visitor access is limited to the Main Library, no access to other Library sites (on or off campus) is included. The Librarian or approved representative reserve the right to refuse access to any external customer
Access to resources: most materials are readily accessible within the Library. Certain materials, such as some University of Warwick PhD theses, Special Collections and Store items will require you to arrange access in advance. To view these items, please contact library@warwick.ac.uk or telephone 024 7652 2026
Plan your visit: in term time the Library is very busy particularly between 11:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, and as study spaces are limited, if possible please visit outside of these times
All Library visitors are required to comply with the Library rules and regulations
All external visitors can apply for community membership

Prospective University of Warwick students

Prospective students may join the Library as community members before their course begins.
Prospective postgraduate students can apply for membership from 1st July each year and prospective undergraduate students from 1st September
A community member may borrow up to 5 items for two weeks
The card will be valid from the date of issue until the end of the first week of the Autumn term when a student card should have been issued
Reference-only Membership is permitted if you wish to use the Library before the set date.
You may apply for membership providing you show photographic proof of your identity and a letter confirming your offer of a place on a University of Warwick Postgraduate or Undergraduate course. An application form will need to be completed for the registration to be processed
Access to e-resources, where licences permit, is provided on the single computer reserved for this purpose on Floor 1 of the University Library, to registered customers visiting the University Library in person

Warwick Alumni members

If you are a Warwick Graduate you can become a member of the Alumni Association and apply for a smart card to use the Library as a community member
As a community member you may borrow up to 5 items for two weeks.
Access to electronic resources, where licences permit, is provided on the single computer reserved for this purpose to registered customers visiting the Library and is located on Floor 1
To access your Library Account online you should log in as a visitor

Staff and students from other universities

Warwick University is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme which allows customers from other universities and colleges to access the Library. Please contact your own institution for details of how to register
Staff members and postgraduates from other universities and colleges who participate in the SCONUL Access Scheme will be able to borrow 5 books for two weeks, while undergraduates will be able to use the library for reference
To join the Library as a SCONUL member, you will need to bring a print of your SCONUL approval email along with your Library card or photo ID card from your home institution. You can visit the Library any day between 8am and 8pm to apply for a SCONUL membership. Note that you might be asked to return at another time to collect your Library card as it might not be immediately available.
Requests for borrowing or copying of material held by the University of Warwick Library can be initiated via your own library. Further details

Retired staff

If retired staff wish to access the Library they should join the Retired Staff Association by submitting an application form. If they wish to access the Library, retired staff should request a University of Warwick retired staff card from central HR. The card will enable retired staff to enter the Library and to borrow books.

Access to e-resources, where licences permit, is provided on the single computer reserved for this purpose on Floor 1 of the University Library, to registered customers visiting the University Library in person. The e-resources are to view only. Please ask at the Floor 1 Helpdesk for login details. Please note that community members are unable to access the full range of electronic resources due to licensing restrictions.

Constitution of the Retired Staff Association. See also Constitution of the Retired Staff Association.

Members of the public

Members of the public aged 18 and above may have access to the Library to consult our collections for reference use only. A day visitor pass gives reference access to the Library for the day of issue and are issued during staffed service hours only. You will need photographic proof of your identity to obtain a day visitor pass. To be able to borrow books, members of the public will need to apply for a community member membership. This will last for up to a period of 12 months. You can visit the Library any day between 8am and 8pm to apply for community member membership. Note that you might be asked to return at another time to collect your Library card as it might not be immediately available.

School and FE college visitors

Sixth Form students can request individual access to the Library providing they have a personalised, individual letter of introduction printed on school headed paper with an original signature from an appropriate representative of the sixth form (photocopies are not acceptable). Students will also need to show photographic proof of their identity

You can visit the Library any day between 8am and 8pm to apply for a sixth form membership. Note that you might be asked to return at another time to collect your Library card as it might not be immediately available.

*photographic ID may include, but is not limited to: passport; driving license; identity card; school or college identity card; bus pass showing name and photo; Citizen Card; work ID badge