External Library Memberships Guide

Who can join?

Anyone with an academic interest and purpose.  Typically, independent scholars, local professionals, local residents and former students and staff of the university.  Applicants for external library membership must be 18 years or over. Students on a course at another eligible UK university should use the SCONUL Access scheme. (Please check with your home institution library). 

How many items can I borrow?

• Up to five items at any one time.

What other services are available to me?

• You can use the library’s self-issue terminals when you borrow or return books.
• You will have 24/7 use of the library using your ID card for door swipe access. 
• Access to Francis Close Hall and Oxstalls libraries
• You can use your own laptop in the library, access to the internet would be via your own internet service provider (ISP). 
• You can access the Library Discovery service to find “free to use library online resources” (where there are no licence restrictions) from home, or via your own device in the library, eg laptop.
• You will be able to access your library account ‘My Account’ online to view book loans, place holds/reservations etc. as long as you have provided a valid personal email address and set up a password from home, or via your own device in the library, eg laptop.

What is not avaliable to external library members?

• University Wi-Fi is not available.
• Use of desktop computers is not available. 
• Access to licensed eBooks and online journals is not available to external members of the library. 
• Access to photocopy, printing or scanning services is not available. 

How long is the membership?

• One calendar year.
• You can renew your account prior to the expiry date by contacting [email protected], and paying the appropriate fee.

How much does one membership cost?

• Individuals: £30.00
• Former University of Gloucestershire staff: £10.00
• University of Gloucestershire graduates: free of charge

Library opening times

• Library 24/7 (using your ID card for door swipe access)
• Library staff available: 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday (subject to availability and University/Statutory Closed Days)

Applying for external library membership and further information

If you think an external membership is for you, you will need to complete the access request form, below, to provide all the required details and upload a photograph for your ID card. You’ll then need to make the appropriate payment via the Online store. You will need to provide a personal email address as part of this process. Membership accounts can only be created after we have received the completed online form and payment.

External library member access – application form

After receiving payment, we aim to process applications within five working days. You’ll be notified by email once your ID card is ready to collect.

When you register to use External Library service you are agreeing to comply with the Terms and Conditions set out below. If you have a question, please email [email protected] or telephone 01242 714600. 

Terms and conditions of external library membership

You must not use the university library for commercial purposes, only educational use is permitted i.e. independent study or private research.

External Library membership is for use by the card holder only, they may not be accompanied by anyone who does not have their own valid ID card.

ID cards must be carried at all times on site and shown when requested to Library or Security staff.

Please note External library membership entitles the holder to access Library spaces and resources only.

Failure to adhere to the terms and conditions stated may result in the member being asked to leave and could lead to the termination of External library membership.

You must adhere to the Library Guidelines and Regulations.

IT acceptable use policy

LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT

You must adhere to the Library code of conduct at all times:  

• Respect and courtesy – treat other users and library staff with respect and consideration. 
• Noise – use appropriate areas: quiet or group study, and do not cause any disturbance to other people using the library. 
• Mobile phones – have your phone on silent while in the library and do not make or receive calls except in designated areas. 
• Eating and drinking – you may have soft drinks in re-sealable containers. Food may not be consumed in the libraries except in the designated areas. 
• Tidiness – place litter in the bins provided and leave your work area clear for others to use when you leave. 
• Personal belongings – all items are left at the owner’s risk. 
• Damage and theft – any vandalism or unauthorised removal of library property will be formally recorded as part of the university disciplinary procedures.  
• You must be in good standing with the University. 
• Library staff reserve the right to refuse, revoke or suspend membership if the Terms and Conditions are breached.  
• Library staff reserve the right to invoice external library members for library items lost and/or not returned. 
• The maximum loan period for a specific item is one calendar year; if it is required by another user, you will be notified by email. It must be returned immediately. 
• Memberships are not transferable. 
• It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand and adhere to the Terms and Condition of membership.  Please contact a member of staff if you have any queries about the service. 

Terms and conditions of external library membership may be subject to change at short notice. Current external members will be notified in advance where possible.

By joining the library, you agree to abide by these regulations. You also agree to abide by and observe copyright licensing laws.

External Library Memberships

Below you’ll find the different types of external membership available and the user entitlements which come with them.

Library catalogue

You can view the library catalogue here. Please note external membership does not include access to ebooks or online journals.

Campus library subject collections

The University of Gloucestershire library service comprises two campus libraries: Francis Close Hall in Cheltenham, and Oxstalls in Gloucester. Your subject interest is likely to decide which library you will mainly use, although your membership is valid for both. Broadly, the subjects located at each campus are as follows (there is some overlap):

Campus library addresses

View maps and directions to each campus

Do you allow walk-in access without membership?

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to provide a high quality and safe environment for both University of Gloucestershire students and members of the public if we allow walk-in use of our library facilities.

Group Access

Schools and other groups can access the libraries as part of a pre-arranged visit. Appropriate access and supervision should be arranged well in advance. Please contact the IT and Library Helpdesk [email protected] or the appropriate Subject Librarian.