Using our services
Joining the Library
Please note that new membership cards will not be produced:
- Between 22 September 2025 and 27 October 2025 due to the busy start of term.
- Between 24 December 2025 and 4 January 2026 due to the Christmas vacation.
Existing members will be able to access the Library as normal during these periods.
Students and staff of the University
- Students and staff of the University are automatically members and their University ID card allows them access into the Library building and to borrow library resources.
- Staff employed on Unitemps or honorary contracts should email library@leicester.ac.uk for advice.
Staff and students from other universities
- Staff and students from other universities participating in the SCONUL Access scheme, will need to join the SCONUL Access Scheme first, then once accepted onto the scheme, complete the online application form.
- Students studying with a private college, private university or at a university that is not a member of the SCONUL Access Scheme may apply for reference membership during University of Leicester vacations.
- Public libraries may be able to provide computer facilities to help you register for access.
| Access times | Study spaces | Physical resources | Wi-Fi | Computer access | Print, Copy, Scan | E-Resource access |
| 8.00am and midnight* | Open access spaces | Books, journals and DVDs | eduroam or The Cloud | No | No | No |
*please see opening hours for exceptions
Members of the public, visitors and alumni
- Members of the public aged 18 or over living or working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are eligible for free borrowing membership
- University of Leicester alumni are entitled to free borrowing membership.
- Members of the public, visitors and alumni, wishing to join will need to apply for access to the Library by completing our online application form.
- Public libraries may be able to provide computer facilities to help you register for access.
| Access times | Study spaces | Physical resources | Wi-Fi | Computer access | Print, Copy, Scan | E-Resource access |
| 8.00am and midnight* | Open access spaces | Books, journals and DVDs | The Cloud | No | No | No |
*please see opening hours for exceptions
College and sixth form students
- College students studying at a college in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and those aged 16 or over studying at a sixth form or similar institution in the local area can apply for college membership.
- Public libraries may be able to provide computer facilities to help you register for access.
| Access times | Study spaces | Physical resources | Wi-Fi | Computer access | Print, Copy, Scan | E-Resource access |
| Access to the library for these members is restricted as follows** | Open access spaces | Books, journals and DVDs | The Cloud | No | No | No |
| Access dates** | Access rights | Access hours |
| 22 September 2025 - 12 October 2025 | No access | No access |
| 13 October 2025 - 12 December 2025 | Evening and weekend access | 6.00pm to Midnight: weekdays 8.00am to Midnight: weekends |
| 13 December 2025 - 31 December 2025 | Full access | 8.00am to Midnight |
| 2 January 2026 - 11 January 2026 | No access | No access |
| 12 January 2026 - 20 March 2026 | Evening and weekend access | 6.00pm to Midnight: weekdays 8.00am to Midnight: weekends |
| 21 March 2026 - 27 March 2026 | No access | No access |
| 28 March 2026 -26 April 2026 | Full access | 8.00am to Midnight |
| 27 April 2026 - 22 May 2026 | No access | No access |
| 23 May 2026 - 5 June 2026 | Evening and weekend access |
6.00pm to Midnight: weekdays |
| 6 June 2026 - 20 September 2026 | Full access | 8.00 to Midnight |
Rules and regulations
- By joining the library you are agreeing to abide by the Library regulations and rules
- Children may be brought into the Library on the understanding that an accompanying adult will be responsible for them at all times.
Membership is at the discretion of the University Librarian and we reserve the right to restrict Library use to current University of Leicester students and staff at busy times.
Privacy notice for non-University of Leicester staff and students
This privacy notice details the ways in which your data will be used by the University to create your Library account. By joining the Library you are agreeing to your data being used in this way.