FAQ
Q. I am a part-time student and have been told that I do not have access to x university, even though they are a member of SCONUL Access. Why is this?
A. SCONUL Access deals with different types of users and allows member libraries to decide which users they will allow to access their services. It is a reciprocal service which means that an individual will only be allowed to access the library if their home library grants library privileges to his / her type of users.
Q Why is the scheme set up like this?
A. SCONUL Access grew out of two earlier schemes, SCONUL Research Extra (SRX) which served staff and research students and UK Libraries Plus (UKLP) which provided access for full time taught postgraduates and part-time, distance learning and placement students. It is for member libraries to decide which users they will allow to access their services.
Q. I am unsure about which libraries will accept me as I am a full-time Doctorate student on a programme which includes an element of teaching.
A. There are many different kinds of higher degrees, some are traditional taught masters (such as MA, MSc, MMus, MBA) and there are traditional MPhil/PhD awarded by research. However there are now many research degrees which include an element of taught modules (such as EngD, MD, MS, New Route PhD) whilst still awarding by thesis and viva. Where a higher degree is awarded by thesis and viva, doctorate students are regarded as researchers and eligible for the SCONUL Access as researchers.
Q. Our college/university employs undergraduate and taught postgraduate students on a casual basis (e.g. as shelvers in the library). We have proper contracts and are designated as members of staff when working. Can we join SCONUL Access as staff users?
A. No. Staff access must not be offered to taught post-graduate students or undergraduates even if they are employed by their university.
Q. I am not a member of staff but I am a visiting scholar at a university and hold a 'staff' library card. Am I entitled to a SCONUL Access card?
A Many SCONUL members have "special relationships" with outsiders and would like to offer them a good range of research facilities. Some obvious examples are honorary fellowships, visiting professors and even retired members of staff. The answer to the question lies with your library and depends on their definition of you as a user. If your library views you as a full member of staff, offering local borrowing rights, inter-library loans and on-line access to resources then you are free to ask them to arrange staff membership to SCONUL Access.
Q. Why can't I borrow more books?
A. The number of books you can borrow is controlled by the library you are visiting and under the rules of the scheme is entirely up to them.
Q. Why can't I have access to computers?
A. SCONUL Access card holders qualify as walk in users as defined by JISC and EduServe so computer access may be possible. However each university has its own arrangements with software suppliers such as Microsoft (Word, Excel, etc) and database providers (e.g. British Education Index). These arrangements have licenses which specify who can and cannot use these resources. In addition, the University will have its own policies on who can or cannot access its networks for obvious security reasons. If you wish to use electronic resources, you should check the library's website or contact them in advance of your visit.
Q. The library I want to use isn't a member, what can I do?
A. Have a look at their web site and see what conditions apply for external membership. You may still be able to use them for reference only access.
Q. I'm a full time undergraduate student living at a distance from my own university and I would like to use X College / University Library, which is nearer. Why can't I use SCONUL Access?
A. Sorry, but you only qualify for borrowing access if you are following a recognized distance learning course, or are a registered part-time student or a full time postgraduate student. Some member libraries will allow students and staff reference access. Use
