Yes, Newcastle University Library is a member of the SCONUL Access Scheme, a nationwide reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to access other academic libraries in the UK and Ireland. If your home institution is also a member of this scheme, you are eligible to join Newcastle University Library free of charge.

Before making your first trip to Newcastle you MUST apply via the national SCONUL Access Scheme website in your home institution.

Once your application has been approved and verified by your home institution, please bring a copy of the Approval Notification email which confirms your eligibility for the Scheme and your home Library campus smartcard to the Philip Robinson Library where we can issue your smartcard.

The Open University no longer issue their students with ID cards. So, as an alternative, if you are studying with the Open University, please show your SCONUL Acceptance email and a valid form of the following photo ID to join or have reference access:

• Current signed passport 
• EEA member state identity card 
• Current UK or EEA photocard driving licence 
• Asylum ARC (Application Registration Card)

SCONUL members (Postgraduates and Staff) are eligible for a Community SCONUL smartcard and can borrow 8 long loan items. Undergraduate Students are not given a smartcard, but can have reference only access during core desk services opening hours on production of their home institution smartcard and SCONUL acceptance email. 

Community SCONUL smartcards are for access to the University Library during core desk services opening hours, they do not open night doors on campus or give out of hours Library access. 

Please be aware most out of hours doors (including those at the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Law School, which give access to other University Library sites) are activated at 5pm Monday to Friday meaning evening and weekend access is only possible at the Philip Robinson Library. 

Access during library self service days (including the Winter Break) is only for current Newcastle University staff and students at ANY library site. Please check opening hours BEFORE your visit to Newcastle: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/visiting-the-library

In university Summer vacations, members of British and Irish universities (including those who do not normally have SCONUL access) only need to show their valid university smartcard to enter the library during core desk service times.