Staff and students of Northumbria and Durham universities have reference access throughout the year at Newcastle University Library during Desk Services Opening Hours on production of a valid campus ID card.

Access for staff and students from other UK and Irish institutions is through the SCONUL Access scheme. A reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to access other academic libraries in the UK and Ireland (please note that not all university libraries are members).  

It is important to set up your membership of the SCONUL Access Scheme and check access rights BEFORE visiting Newcastle University.  We welcome visitors seven days per week in term during Desk Services Opening Hours but only on production of a valid Home University ID smartcard AND a copy of your SCONUL approval notification email.

Vacation Access for students from other UK and Irish institutions is as follows:

Winter vacation

Newcastle University Library operates on a self-service basis on the days between Christmas and New Year and access at this time is by Newcastle University Staff or Student Smartcard only.  The Library is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.  

Access during Desk Services Opening Hours during the rest of the winter vacation is available on production of your valid campus ID card and SCONUL approval email. 

Easter Vacation

Please show a valid campus ID card or library card and a copy of your SCONUL approval notification email during Desk Services Opening Hours.  The Library is closed on Easter Sunday. 

Summer Vacation

Students from all UK or Irish Universities can use Newcastle University Library for reference purposes on production of a valid campus ID or Library Card during Desk Services Opening Hours.  For more information in the SCONUL Summer Vacation Access scheme: https://access.sconul.ac.uk/page/summer-vacation-access

There is currently no reciprocal agreement in place for Students from International Universities (excluding Ireland); please refer to Occasional Visitors.

Research Libraries UK is a consortium of 34 of the major research libraries in the UK and Ireland.  As a member, Newcastle University is part of the RLUK Access Scheme and walk in access to our print resources is available to academic staff and researchers from other RLUK member institutions.  For a list of participating members, please visit: https://www.rluk.ac.uk/members. To gain access, show your home institution smartcard at the Philip Robinson Library Welcome Desk during core desk services opening hours. Newcastle University Library reserve the right to restrict access RLUK member visitors during busy periods so check ahead by emailing LibraryHelp@ncl.ac.uk before your visit to Newcastle.