Joining the Library

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 may apply to join the Library via the SCONUL Access Scheme. Once accepted onto the scheme the online application form should be completed. Public libraries may be able to provide computer facilities to help you register for access.

Wi-Fi access is available via eduroam. Initial set-up is at your home institution and then it can be used anywhere that has eduroam. Alternatively public Wi-Fi (The Cloud) is available to use on your own devices. The University is not able to provide access to university computers, photocopying, scanning, printing or e-resources such as e-journals, e-books and databases.

Please note that new membership cards will not be produced between 22 September 2025 to 27 October 2025, due to the busy start of term. Existing members will be able to access the Library as normal during this period.

Staff and students from other universities may use the Library between 8.00am and midnight.

Members of the public including University alumni

University of Leicester alumni are entitled to free borrowing membership.

Members of the public aged 19 or over living or working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are entitled to free borrowing membership, with the following exceptions: 

• Students and staff from other universities should apply via the SCONUL Access Scheme
• Students studying with a university or private college that is not a member of the SCONUL access scheme may apply for reference membership during University of Leicester vacations

Members of the public, including alumni and visitors, 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 to public Wi-Fi (The Cloud) is available to use on your own devices. The University is not able to provide access to university computers, photocopying, scanning, printing or e-resources such as e-journals, e-books and databases.

Please note that new membership cards will not be produced between 22 September 2025 to 27 October 2025, due to the busy start of term. Existing members will be able to access the Library as normal during this period.

Members of the public may use the Library between 8.00am and midnight.

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 to public Wi-Fi (The Cloud) is available to use on your own devices. The University is not able to provide access to university computers, photocopying, scanning, printing or e-resources such as e-journals, e-books and databases.

Please note that new membership cards will not be produced between 22 September 2025 to 27 October 2025, due to the busy start of term. Existing members will be able to access the Library as normal during this period.

Access to the library for these members is restricted to the following times:

Rules and regulations

When you join the library, you must abide by our rules and regulations:

• Children may be brought into the Library on the understanding that an accompanying adult will be responsible for them at all times.
• All members and visitors are required to observe the Library regulations.

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.