How do I access other libraries?
Answer
This page explains if you are eligible to access other libraries in Glasgow, and the steps you should take to do so. The access you will enjoy to the facilities and collections of other libraries will depend on your programme and level of study. For this reason, you must read the information that is relevant to you below before your visit. Do not turn up and ask for access without first understanding your eligibility, or what is required of you.
Accessing Other Libraries for Undergraduates
The access you will enjoy to the facilities and collections of other libraries will depend on your programme and level of study. This page outlines the access enjoyed by undergraduate students at GSA.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID AND SAFE CAMPUS MEASURES, SOME OF THE ACADEMIC LIBRARIES TO WHICH YOU MIGHT NORMALLY HAVE ACCESS WILL BE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VISITORS OR RESTRICTING ACCESS. TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE WEBSITES OF THE LIBRARIES IN QUESTION BEFORE YOUR VISIT.
University of Glasgow Library
- Students on undergraduate GSA programmes do not enjoy borrowing rights at University of Glasgow Library, nor access to its digital collections or computing facilities. The only exception to this rule is GSA/GU joint courses, where students are fully matriculated at both institutions.
- These arrangements are administered via the joint GSA/GU Memorandum of Understanding, which guides relations between the two institutions. GSA Library does not have any power to change or alter these arrangements, or compel the University of Glasgow to do so.
- Under normal circumstances, you will enjoy reference access to Glasgow University Library, allowing you to read from (but not borrow) its books.
- You do not need to apply for a Visitor’s Day Pass to enjoy reference access. You must however, present a valid matriculation card when you arrive in the library. You will be refused entry if you do not present a matriculation card.
- Visitor printing and photocopying facilities are available on level 3 of Glasgow University library.
- Wi-fi is available via the Eduroam network. Information on how to log into Eduroam can be found here.
- Please note that GU Library will restrict access to GU students only during busy periods, particularly in the lead-up to exams. You will be refused entry during these periods of restricted access. These periods will be advertised on the library’s website – it is your responsibility to check the website before you visit.
SCONUL Access
- SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme that enables members of participating institutions to access most other UK HE libraries, free-of-charge.
- In most cases membership will not provide access to digital resources or computing facilities.
- Wi-fi is usually available via the Eduroam network. Information on how to log into Eduroam can be found here.
- To join the SCONUL Access scheme, please complete the online form.
- You will receive a confirmation email from GSA Library within a few days, confirming your eligibility. You should then take this confirmation email with your GSA matriculation card to the external library you wish to join.
- Membership of the scheme does not guarantee access, and participating libraries reserve the right to restrict access, particularly during busy periods such as exam times. You should always check the relevant library’s website, or contact them, before your visit.
Other Libraries
Glasgow Public Libraries
Anyone living or working within the City of Glasgow is entitled to join Glasgow Public Libraries for free. Membership will allow you to borrow books from your local public library, and also to access a growing number of online resources and magazines. Find out more information about their collections and apply online.
Kelvin Hall
At Kelvin Hall in Glasgow’s West End you can view archive films and videos from over 100 years of Scottish history, all drawn from the collections of the National Library of Scotland. Please refer to the Library’s website for opening hours, location and information before your visit.
Mitchell Library
The Mitchell Library is one of Europe’s largest central reference libraries, and is just a short walk from Glasgow School of Art. As well as many reference and research collections, it houses periodicals, newspapers and maps. It also houses a large computing suite. Please refer to the Library’s website for opening hours, location and information before your visit. The Mitchell Library is also home to the Business and IP Centre.
Glasgow Women’s Library
Glasgow Women’s Library is dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements, with a lending library, archive collections and an innovative programme of public events & learning opportunities.
Accessing Other Libraries for Postgraduates
The access you will enjoy to the facilities and collections of other libraries will depend on your programme and level of study. This page outlines the access enjoyed by taught and research postgraduate students at GSA.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID AND SAFE CAMPUS MEASURES, SOME OF THE ACADEMIC LIBRARIES TO WHICH YOU MIGHT NORMALLY HAVE ACCESS WILL BE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VISITORS OR RESTRICTING ACCESS. TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE WEBSITES OF THE LIBRARIES IN QUESTION BEFORE YOUR VISIT.
University of Glasgow Library
- Students on recognised taught or research postgraduate programmes are entitled to borrow from Glasgow University Library’s print collections and access its digital resources. A full list of eligible programmes is provided on the University of Glasgow Registry pages. If your programme of study is not listed, you are not eligible for these benefits.
- When you matriculate onto an eligible programme at GSA, you should receive notification of your GUID from GSA Registry a couple of weeks after matriculation. This will be sent to your GSA email account. If you do not receive this communication, you can request your GUID from registry@gsa.ac.uk.
- Once you have activated your GUID, you can use it to access 1000s of digital resources from Glasgow University Library. These are in addition to the digital resources you enjoy at GSA Library.
- For many students, access to these digital resources is sufficient. You may however choose to request a Glasgow University student card also, which will allow you to borrow from the print collections. Before you attempt to borrow from the library, you will first need to present your GSA matriculation card at Student Services on Level 3 of the Fraser Building, opposite the library. A campus map is available. Your eligibility will be checked, and you will be photographed and issued with a student card. You might like to have your GUID and a link to the GU eligibility information to hand, in case of any problems. Do not apply for a student card if digital resources are sufficient for your needs.
- If you are on a jointly delivered GSA/GU programme you will normally have been issued with a GU student card already, and will not have to follow this process.
- Your GU Library account is separate from your GSA Library account and it is your responsibility to adhere to GU rules and regulations, respond to GU communications, return your items in time, and pay any fees or charges. Your can check your GU Library account at any time online.
SCONUL Access
- SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme that enables members of participating institutions to borrow a limited number of books (usually 4 or 5) from most other UK HE libraries, free-of-charge.
- In most cases membership will not provide access to digital resources or computing facilities.
- Wi-fi is usually available via the Eduroam network. Information on how to log into Eduroam can be found here.
- To join the SCONUL Access scheme, please complete the online form. Do not use the scheme to get access to Glasgow University Library, as other reciprocal arrangements are in place and are explained above.
- You will receive a confirmation email from GSA Library within a few days, confirming your eligibility. You should then take this confirmation email with your GSA matriculation card to the external library you wish to join.
- Membership of the scheme does not guarantee access, and participating libraries reserve the right to restrict access, particularly during busy periods such as exam times. You should always check the relevant library’s website, or contact them, before your visit.
Interlibrary Loan Service
Our Interlibrary Loan service can provide access to materials held in other libraries that are otherwise inaccessible to you. For further information, read our FAQ about ILLs.
Other Libraries
Glasgow Public Libraries
Anyone living or working within the City of Glasgow is entitled to join Glasgow Public Libraries for free. Membership will allow you to borrow books from your local public library, and also to access a growing number of online resources and magazines. Simply apply online.
Kelvin Hall
At Kelvin Hall in Glasgow’s West End you can view archive films and videos from over 100 years of Scottish history, all drawn from the collections of the National Library of Scotland. Please refer to the Library’s website for opening hours, location and information before your visit.
Mitchell Library
The Mitchell Library is one of Europe’s largest central reference libraries, and is just a short walk from Glasgow School of Art. As well as many reference and research collections, it houses periodicals, newspapers and maps. It also houses a large computing suite. Please refer to the Library’s website for opening hours, location and information before your visit. The Mitchell Library is also home to the Business and IP Centre.
Glasgow Women’s Library
Glasgow Women’s Library is dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements, with a lending library, archive collections and an innovative programme of public events & learning opportunities.
National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland is the world’s leading centre for the study of Scotland and the Scots. It is a major European research library, with collections of world-class importance, and is based in Edinburgh. To use the library’s online resources from home, please register online. You will also need to register online before you can visit the library’s collections in person. Please refer to the Library’s website for opening hours, location and information before your visit.