Local universities' reciprocal access

Through a reciprocal agreement with Northumbria and Durham University, staff and students of Newcastle University can have reference access during desk services hours. You will need to take your Newcastle University smartcard for all visits.

If you want borrowing membership, you will need to apply via the SCONUL Access Scheme. 

SCONUL Access Scheme

Newcastle University is a member of the SCONUL Access Scheme (Society of College, National and University Libraries) which allows access and borrowing of books from participating universities for staff, postgraduates, part-time, distance learners and students on placement for more than six weeks. Full-time undergraduates have reference access. SCONUL Access is a national scheme.

• Apply for membership through the SCONUL Access Scheme website and you will be sent an approval notification email. Please print a copy to take to the library you wish to join, along with your library Smartcard. Before visiting the library of your choice, check their opening hours and that the Library you want to visit is also a member of the scheme.

Please note: The University of Law does not take part in the SCONUL access scheme. Newcastle University is a partner institution of ULaw so ULaw@Newcastle students can access Newcastle University Library services but are not eligible for SCONUL.

Local public libraries

These are free for anyone to join and Newcastle City Library is a flagship building in the city centre. Find out more information here: Newcastle Public Library.

Visiting the British Library

Anyone requiring use of the British Library for their research can apply for a reader pass.

Searching local library collections

Use the links below to search the collections of our local university and public libraries:

• Northumbria University
• Durham University
• University of Sunderland
• Newcastle City Libraries
• Gateshead Libraries
• Newcastle Literary and Philosophical Society

You can also search the collections of other university and specialist libraries more widely:

• Library Hub Discover - allows you to search the collections of UK national, university and specialist libraries through a single interface
• WorldCat - allows you to search collections of Libraries around the world

Accessing the wi-fi at other institutions

Eduroam allows staff and students to access internet services at participating institutions using your usual username and password.