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Libraries

External Library Memberships Guide

Last updated: 12 September 2023

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?

What other services are available to me?

What is not avaliable to external library members?

How long is the membership?

How much does one membership cost?

Library opening times

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.

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 lcmemberships@glos.ac.uk 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.

LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT

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

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.

The table below gives an overview of the different types of external membership available and the user entitlements which come with them.

External Library Membership: types, borrowing entitlements and costs

Type of memberAvailable toProof of IDLoan entitlementHold requestInternet accessPrintCopyWi-Fi
IndividualIndividual members of the
public (Annual charge £30.00)
Photo ID such as
Passport or
Driving Licence
Proof of Address
5 items
(physical
stock only)
Yes*NoNoNoNo
Alumni or former employeesUoG graduates
UoG former employees
(Annual charge £10.00)
Award certificate:
copy required
Letter of
appointment or
similar: copy
required
5 items
(physical
stock only)
Yes*NoNoNoNo

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 comprises three campus libraries: Francis Close Hall and Park are in Cheltenham, and Oxstalls is in Gloucester. The campus libraries support courses based at those campuses. Your subject interest is likely to decide which campus library you will mainly use, although your membership is valid for all three. Broadly, the subjects located at each campus are as follows (there is some overlap):

Francis Close Hall (FCH)OxstallsThe Park
Art and Photography
Biological Sciences
Creative Writing
Criminology
Education
English Language and Literature
Environmental Sciences
Geography
History
Landscape Architecture
Psychology
Religion, Philosophy and
Ethics
Sociology
Accounting and Finance
Allied Health Professions
Business Management
Drama and Performing Arts
Hospitality, Tourism and Events
Law
Marketing
Sport and Exercise
Health and Social Care
Nursing
Advertising
Computing (Creative and Technical)
Engineering
Fashion
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Journalism
Media
Music
Product Design

Campus library addresses

Francis Close Hall Library

The University of Gloucestershire
Swindon Road
Cheltenham
GL50 4AZ
01242 714600

Oxstalls Library

The University of Gloucestershire
Oxstalls Lane
Gloucester
GL2 9HW
01242 715100

Park Library

The University of Gloucestershire
The Park
Cheltenham
GL50 2RH
01242 714333

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 lcmemberships@glos.ac.uk or the appropriate Subject Librarian.

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