Visit

Visiting the Library

• The University of Warwick Library offers a range of memberships with different levels of access to our spaces and resources. Whether you're a prospective student, alumnus, or member of the public, you're welcome here. If you're unsure which membership suits you, please contact us.
• 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.

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 doubles as your Library card, you’ll need it to access the building and borrow materials.
• If you're joining us as a new staff member, we invite you to explore our Library Induction for University of Warwick Staff course to get started

Children or dependents in the Library

• Children under the age of 18 may occasionally need to accompany staff or students during Library visits. The Library cannot, however, assume responsibility for the safety of children. If children are disruptive or inadequately supervised, Library staff may ask the accompanying individuals to leave.
• Library computers are intended solely for use by students and staff with valid login credentials and must not be used by children.

External visitors

All external visitors

• Visitors may only use the Main Library. Other campus or off-campus sites are not accessible. The Librarian or their delegate may deny entry to external visitors.
• Most materials are available onsite. Access to PhD theses, Special Collections, and Store items must be arranged in advance, contact library@warwick.ac.uk or call 024 7652 2026.
• During term time, the Library is busiest Monday to Friday between 11:00 and17:00. Where possible, consider visiting outside these hours.
• All visitors must follow Library rules and regulations.

Prospective University of Warwick students

Prospective students may join the Library as community members¹ before their course begins. Postgraduates may apply from 1 July; Undergraduates from 1 September. Alternatively, reference only membership is available before these dates.

• As a community member, you may borrow up to 5 items for two weeks.
• Membership is valid until the end of the first week of the Autumn term, by which time a student card should be issued.
• To apply, provide photo ID, a letter confirming your offer to study at the University of Warwick, and complete an application form.
• Access to e-resources (where licence permits) is available on a dedicated computer on Floor 1 for registered visitors.

Warwick Alumni members

• Warwick graduates can join the Alumni Association and apply for a smart card to access the Library as community members.
• Warwick graduates can join the Alumni Association and apply for a smart card to access the Library as community members.
• Electronic resources (where licensed) are available on a dedicated computer for registered visitors on Floor 1. To view your Library Account online, log in as a visitor.

Staff and students from other universities

• Warwick University participates in the SCONUL Access scheme, allowing eligible staff and students from other institutions to use its Library. Please check with your home institution for registration details.
• Staff and postgraduate SCONUL members may borrow up to 5 items for two weeks; Undergraduate SCONUL members have reference-only access.
• To apply, bring a printed copy of your SCONUL approval email and your university Library or photo ID card. Applications are accepted daily from 8am to 8pm. Library cards may not be issued immediately, so you might need to return to collect yours.
• Requests to borrow or copy Warwick Library materials should be made through your home library.

Retired staff

• Retired staff wishing to access the Library can join the Retired Staff Association by submitting an application form and requesting a Retired Staff card from central HR, enabling them to enter the library and borrow books.

• Limited e-resource access is available on the Floor 1 computer for on-site use only. Please ask at the Helpdesk for login details.

Members of the public

• Anyone aged 18 or over can visit the Library for reference use with a day visitor pass, available during staffed service hours with photo ID.

• To borrow books, apply for Community Membership¹ (valid for up to 12 months). Applications can be made online - please note your Library card may need to be collected at a later time.

School and FE college visitors

• Sixth Form students can apply for Library access online with:

• A signed letter of introduction on school letterhead (no photocopies)
• Photo ID (e.g. passport, driving licence, school ID, or Citizen Card)

• Your Library card may need to be collected at a later date.

¹Note: Community members do not have access to all electronic resources due to licence restrictions.