Other libraries and catalogues

There are more university and research libraries in London than anywhere else in the world and most are less than an hour away. Before visiting another library make sure that you have exhausted our own resources. Search the online catalogue, Central Search and check subject resources. Please ask your Academic Liaison Librarian if you think you need to use a specialist library.

SCONUL Access

SCONUL Access has replaced the UK Libraries Plus and SCONUL Research Extra schemes.

• Band A access is for Staff and research students, who can borrow books from all the libraries in the scheme.
• Band B access is for part-time and distance learning students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and those on placement (eg PGCE in schools). You can borrow books from libraries in this band.
• Band C covers full-time taught course postgraduate students, who can borrow books from libraries in this band.
• Full time undergraduate students have reference only access at Band B libraries.

Please note:

• The number of books you can borrow may be limited and you may not be allowed to borrow from some collections.
• Access to electronic resources is likely to be restricted.
• The library you visit will not have the same rules as us.

Each library in the scheme is listed on SCONUL Access. Several nearby libraries offer access to all bands so are available to anyone at Roehampton University:

• University of the Arts, London
• Kingston University
• London South Bank University
• St Mary's University College (Twickenham)
• Thames Valley University (Ealing and Slough)

The SCONUL vacation access scheme provides reference only access to other libraries during our vacation. Standard SCONUL Access may be better for you, so check that first.

Register for SCONUL services at the Library Enquiry Desk. Complete this form if you are visiting from another library and need access to Roehampton's IT network.

M25 Libraries

The M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries consists of over 100 libraries inside the M25 motorway. While many are part of SCONUL, M25 Libraries provides access to additional specialist libraries. The website provides information on each library and a facility to search catalogues.

The British Library

The  British Library at St Pancras, London is a national research library. It does not lend books nor does it aim to stock multiple copies of basic text books. If your research needs are not fulfilled by other libraries, see the British Library catalogue and Reader Registration.

Wandsworth public libraries

If you live locally you can join Wandsworth libraries, some of which hold special collections. There are extensive music collections in Balham, Battersea and Putney libraries.

Special libraries

Ask your Academic Liaison Librarian for help and advice on using specialist London libraries. In general:

1. Telephone or email first as you may have to make an appointment to see the collection.
2. Tell the librarian what you have already found and be specific about what you still need.
3. Record all the bibliographic details of any material you use as you may not be able to recheck your references.

Other catalogues

• COPAC is a national OPAC that accesses the catalogues of some of the largest UK and Ireland university libraries.
• London Libraries allows searches and provides information on special collections.
• ULRLS is the catalogue of the University of London Research Library Services.
• The HERO site links to various online library catalogues
• UK Public Libraries on the Web

Please note: Eduroam (JANET Roaming Service) is currently not available at Roehampton University