We offer a range of options for visitors, including alumni, to access our libraries.
See separate information about visiting the Cadbury Research Library.
SCONUL Access scheme
If your institution is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme, you may be entitled to obtain a library card from us for either borrowing or reference access depending on your status. Please check with your home library in the first instance.
SCONUL Access members from other universities should bring their SCONUL Access approval email, home university ID card and a passport sized photograph (if Band A, B or C) and register for University of Birmingham library membership in person. Please note that for Band R members a photograph is not essential.
Members of the public
Members of the public over the age of 18 are entitled to ten visits in a twelve-month period. Each time you visit, you will be asked for current photographic identification such as a driving licence or a passport, these will need to be the originals as a photo or a copy will not be accepted. Registration for day visitors is available between 08:00 and 21:00 (08:00-19:00 in the summer vacation). See our opening hours for more information, including the opening hours of our site libraries.
College and sixth form
College and sixth form students may register as day visitors but need to bring a letter of introduction from their teacher or tutor, printed on school or college headed paper. Find out more about our support for further education and sixth form students.
Fee-paying membership: new and existing members
If you are an existing member please contact us to renew your membership.
Please see more information on becoming a new fee paying member. You can apply online using our application form.
Please do not apply for fee paying external membership if you are:
- A current member of another UK or Ireland University: you may be able to join our library free of charge as part of the SCONUL Access scheme. See information above.
- If you would like to use the library as a day visitor: you may visit up to 10 times in a 12-month period free of charge (reference access only). See above for more information.
- Under 18: if you are an A-level student, see our information for day visitors above.
Please contact us if you have any further questions about membership.
Electronic resources
You can browse Findit@Bham (our catalogue and discovery service) as a guest from home or from campus without being a member of the library. Guest access allows you to search the University's print and electronic collections. Access to the University's subscription electronic resources is not available to external users, but there are a wide range of open access resources available to everyone.
Wi-Fi access
Guest access to the wireless network is available in all libraries. Guidance is available from IT services on how to connect.