The University of Essex is a member of SCONUL Access, a scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. The scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland. 

Please note SCONUL access is available at our Colchester and Loughton Campus libraries only. The Forum at Southend is a joint University and Public library and all members of the public are welcome to use the public study areas and have reference access to University of Essex books. We are not able to offer access to the Learning Hub for SCONUL members as an active student or staff card is required to access areas on the 2^nd floor of The Forum. All members of the public can however use the ground and first floors of the Forum for study.

Eligibility

You can apply for access through the University of Essex if you are a current, campus-based student or member of staff of the University, or if you are a student at Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust.

University of Essex Online (Kaplan) students, please see our FAQ here.

If you are:

• an academic on an open or fixed term contract
• a postgraduate research student registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification
• a part-time, distance learning and placement student
• or a full-time postgraduate

you may be able to borrow from other college or university libraries.

If you are:

• a full-time undergraduate student
• staff of a small number of higher education libraries not participating in the scheme

you may be able to use the resources of other college and university libraries for reference.

Applying for access

If you would like to be a part of this scheme, please go to the SCONUL Access website (link below) and apply online. Please be aware that some member libraries may not offer access to all categories of user.
 

When filling out the form you will need:

• Your Essex email address (please do not use a personal email, or email address from another institution)
• Your Essex university PRID or Registration number (found on your student/staff card).

Tavistock & Portman students:

SCONUL advise that you won't need an Essex University student ID card to gain access to other libraries that are part of the scheme - your Tavistock & Portman ID should be sufficient. However, each institution may apply these guidelines slightly differently, so it's always best to check with the library you plan to visit before you make your trip. If you don't yet have an Essex University Student ID card, please speak to your institution to get one printed.