If you are not a currently enrolled student or member of staff of Coventry University but would like to access Lanchester library, there are several options available to you as shown in the tabs below.
Members of the public over 18 years of age and Ex Coventry University Staff who are not affiliated to the university can visit Lanchester library on 3 separate occasions with no charge. Please bring some photographic ID and proof of address to the library welcome desk and ask for a day pass. If you would like to visit the library more regularly, you can apply for our membership.
Type of Membership
Associate Member
For Wi-Fi access please ask at the Library Welcome Desk and staff will raise an online request to ensure Wi-Fi access for the duration of the card. Please note at busy times there may be a delay in providing access.
Retired Coventry University staff can join via the Lanchester Association: - https://www.coventry.ac.uk/the-university/alumni/lanchester-association/
Access to the Lanchester Library is for reference and study purposes. Library staff have the right to refuse entry to anyone who cannot provide acceptable means of identification, does not have a valid reason for using the Library, or for any other reason whether in possession of a valid ID card or not.
Coventry University is a member of the SCONUL Access reciprocal scheme. This scheme allows students and staff from member universities to visit (and, in certain cases, borrow) books from libraries at other UK higher education institutions who are also part of the scheme.
The SCONUL website lists HE institutions currently taking part in the scheme.
How to apply
To access the Wi-Fi at Coventry as a SCONUL user please make sure you have activated EDUROAM by downloading the installer. When installing please select your home institution. If you have any difficulties with EDUROAM please contact the IT helpdesk of your home institution. If your institution does not participate in EDUROAM, please ask at the Library Welcome Desk.
College students or sixth form pupils who wish to visit the library for reference and study purposes on a regular basis can apply for a free Schools & Colleges access card.
For more information please see the Schools and Colleges Reference Access Scheme libguide.
Former students Coventry University can join the library as an Alumni Member – Friends of Coventry University (FOCUS).
FOCUS members will have access to the library for a year for reference and study purposes and will be allowed to borrow up to 5 items at any one time. The Document Supply Service is also available for a charge of £7.50 per item.
To apply, please bring some photographic ID and proof of address to the library welcome desk and ask for an application form.
For Wi-Fi access please ask at the Welcome Desk for the Digital Services phone number. Please note at busy times Digital Services may not be able to grant this immediately.
Visitor Reference
Students not as part of the SCONUL scheme
For Students who are registered at an institution but the institution is not part of the SCONUL scheme, membership to the Lanchester library is available via a 'Visitor reference' pass. This is valid for 1 year from date of application at a cost of £10.00 per year. To join this scheme, you will need a copy (not digital) of proof of your course enrolment with dates and contact details of the course leader.
Student taking a year out
If you are a Coventry University student but have taken a year out for personal reasons, you may gain access to the library by applying for the Visitor reference pass at a cost of £10.00 per year.
Student helper
Registered student helpers can have a 1 year Visitor pass (free of charge). You will need to provide proof of profession/capacity and details of the university supported student.
After registration, you can:
Library staff have the right to refuse entry to anyone who cannot provide acceptable means of identification, does not have a valid reason for using the Library, or for any other reason whether in possession of a valid ID card or not.
All visitors under these access schemes must comply with the Lanchester Library rules and regulations which are set out in Appendix 3 of the University General Regulations.
If you have joined Lanchester library as a guest member in one of the following groups your membership gives you borrowing rights:
Once your application has been processed, you will be emailed a user name and login which will allow you to access 'Locate', the library catalogue. As well as searching for items, you can also remotely manage your library account via Locate (for renewals etc.)
You may borrow up to 5 items at a time. All policies regarding overdue charges, maximum loan period etc. are the same for guests as for enrolled students - see our Borrow page.
To log in to Locate as a guest member, please use the dedicated log in page http://locate.coventry.ac.uk/assoc (link will open in a new page). Click on 'Guest' in the top right corner of the page and click again once it changes to 'Log in'. You will then be asked for your log in details.