Visitors

No, SCONUL Access users have no access to networked PCs or printers, the scheme allows library users from other member libraries to borrow from our print collections only. 

Access to LJMU libraries for members of other universities is available via the SCONUL Access scheme.

The SCONUL Access scheme allows library users from other member libraries to use or borrow from our print collections. Online registration and further information about this scheme is available from the SCONUL Access website.

If you’d like to apply for an LJMU SCONUL Access borrower card, visit the Library Hub at either Aldham Robarts Library or Avril Robarts Library. Please bring the following with you:

• A completed LJMU External Borrower Registration Form (PDF, 346KB).
• A copy of the SCONUL Access email (obtained from your home institution following online registration) or a SCONUL Access card
• ID card from your home institution
• Passport photograph

We will contact you when your library card is ready for collection.

As a SCONUL Access user, you may visit any of our three library sites. You may borrow up to five standard loan items at any one time and you can place up to five reservations.

You will be given a username and password that will enable you to place reservations and check your borrower record via Library Discover.

If you are a full-time undergraduate you cannot borrow items using this scheme, but you are welcome to use our resources on a reference-only basis.

SCONUL Access members may access all of our library sites; other visitors may only access Aldham Robarts Library and Avril Robarts Library.

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Visitors and SCONUL Access members may use the libraries throughout our normal service hours which are presented below.

Visitors may only access Aldham and Avril Robarts Libraries.

SCONUL Access members may also access the Digital Library at the Student Life Building (SLB).

Semester opening hours:  

• Monday to Friday 8:45am to 7pm 
• Saturday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Vacation opening hours:

• Monday to Friday 8:45am to 7pm 
• Saturday to 10am to 4pm
• Sunday - Closed

We offer a walk-in service where visitors can access our electronic resources. Using this service, you can access a number of e-journals and databases (where licensing agreements allow). Access to this service is provided on a dedicated PC (one at Aldham Robarts Library and one at Avril Robarts Library).

How you can use this service:

• Please read the Walk-in Access Acceptable Use Policy (PDF, 526KB)
• Please book in advance via Ask the Library (online chat service)
• We can offer you an introductory session (Monday to Friday) with 24 hours’ notice
• A basic help guide is available
• Bring photo ID and proof of address
• Complete and sign a copy of the Walk-in Access Registration Form (PDF, 326KB) each time you visit
• Printing facilities are not available

We welcome members of the public into the Aldham Robarts Library and the Avril Robarts Library. As a member of the public, you will receive reference-only access for many of our items, including access to some of our electronic resources. You can also apply for membership with borrowing rights.

To borrow from LJMU Library as a member of the public you will need to apply for external membership. This membership will give you limited borrowing access for education or research purposes. The annual fee for access is £50 (plus VAT) if you are:

• an LJMU graduate
• a student of any university outside the Merseyside area, but a Merseyside resident
• a member of the public with a genuine need to use the libraries

The annual membership allows you to borrow up to five standard loan items at any one time and place up to five reservations. Access is to the Aldham Robarts Library and the Avril Robarts Library only. The membership does not enable you to access our computing facilities.

Apply for membership

Want to apply for LJMU Individual External Library Membership? Please visit the Hub at one of our libraries, with the following:

• a completed LJMU External Borrower Registration Form (PDF, 346KB)
• a photo ID
• a passport-sized photograph

We will contact you when your card is ready for collection. On collection you’ll be given a username and password that will allow you to place reservations and check your borrower record via Library Discover.

In accordance with the LJMU Health and Safety Code of Practice, in general students or visitors must not bring children under the age of 18 into University buildings, unless this child is part of an organised group.

However, there may be circumstances that arise where, for a short duration, and under the close supervision of the parent or guardian, this may be permitted. For example if the parent is visiting the Library briefly to access facilities or services. If the child is left unsupervised this dispensation will be withdrawn.

Yes, Alumni can access any of our library sites on a reference only basis.

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Yes, visitors can access both Aldham Robarts Library and Avril Robarts Library. LJMU Libraries are committed to supporting our local community and higher education partners. We have entered into a range of agreements which entitle various groups from outside LJMU to either reference-only access or to borrow from our libraries.

If you are a student from another university please see I am a student at another university can I borrow your books?

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Visitors and SCONUL Access members may use the libraries throughout our normal service hours which are presented below.

Visitors may only access Aldham and Avril Robarts Libraries.

SCONUL Access members may also access the Digital Library at the Student Life Building (SLB).

Semester opening hours:  

• Monday to Friday 8:45am to 7pm 
• Saturday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Vacation opening hours:

• Monday to Friday 8:45am to 7pm 
• Saturday to 10am to 4pm
• Sunday - Closed

As a member of staff from the John Moores Students' Union (JMSU) you are entitled to LJMU library and computing access.

To apply, please email studentsunion@ljmu.ac.uk or call 0151 231 4900.

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As a member of academic staff with a permanent contract at the University of Liverpool, you may apply to borrow LJMU library materials. Once you have applied you will also be given a username and password that will enable you to place reservations and check your borrower record via Library Discover.

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Library access for retired staff

As a retired member of LJMU staff you are welcome to visit any of our three library sites, you will have reference-only access to our print collections. You can also apply for External Library Membership free of charge. Once you have this membership you will be able to borrow up to five items from the library. To apply, please visit the Hub at either Aldham Robarts Library or Avril Robarts Library with the following:

• A completed LJMU External Borrower Registration Form (PDF, 346KB)
• Proof of retired staff status (a letter from Human Resources or a pension slip)
• Photo ID
• A passport sized photograph

Computing access for retired staff

As a retired member of LJMU staff, typically you won't be able to access the LJMU network or our electronic resources. However, if you require access because of ongoing research or another commitment with your school or department, please submit an Honorary Visiting Positions - Guidance and Application form (Word, 65KB) to your director (preferably before your retirement begins). Your director should return the completed form to Human Resources.

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