Using our services
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.
Please note that new membership cards will not be processed between 6 to 31 January 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 and University alumni
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
University of Leicester alumni are entitled to free borrowing membership.
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.
Please note that new membership cards will not be processed between 6 to 31 January 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 may apply for college membership
Those aged 16 or over studying at a Sixth form or similar institution in the local area are similarly able to join the Library by applying for college membership.
Access to the library for these members is restricted to the following times:
| Dates 2024/2025 | Access rights | Access hours |
| 14 October to 13 December | Evening and weekend access | 6.00pm to Midnight weekdays
8.00am to Midnight weekends |
| 14 December to 31 December | Full access | 8.00am to Midnight |
| 2 January to 12 January | No access | No access |
| 13 January - 21 March | Evening and weekend access |
6.00pm to Midnight weekdays
8.00am to Midnight weekends |
| 22 March - 28 March | No access | No access |
| 29 March - 20 April | Full access | 8.00am to Midnight |
| 21 April - 23 May | No access | No access |
| 24 May - 6 June | Evening and weekend access | 6.00pm to Midnight weekdays
8.00am to Midnight weekends |
| 7 June - 21 September | Full access | 8.00am to Midnight |
| 22 September - 12 October | No access | No access |
| 13 October - 12 December | Evening and weekend access | 6.00pm to Midnight weekdays
8.00am to Midnight weekends |
| 13 December - 31 December | Full access | 8.00am to Midnight |
Membership is at the discretion of the University Librarian and use of the Library is prioritised for our students and staff at busy times.
Please note that new membership applications will not be processed between 6 to 31 January 2025, due to the busy start of term. Existing members will be able to access the Library as normal during this period.
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.
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.