Using the Library: Accessing Lanchester Library as a visitor

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

1. Register online at the SCONUL website - simply enter your student / staff status type (undergraduate etc.) and select our university
2. Once you submit your application it is then reviewed by your home institution and, if approved, they will send you an email.
3. Bring your approval email, together with your ID card for your home institution, to our library welcome desk. We will ask you to complete an application form and then we will create a membership card for you. This card will operate the entrance gates, giving you access to the library at any time it is open.

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:

• Access to the Lanchester Library for reference and study purposes
• Access the library's guest Wi-Fi through your own device. You can refer to the information under different types of visitors for the details of how to log on as a guest.
• Access our library catalogue on various standalone units around the library. However you will not be able to access any electronic resources listed on the library catalogue
• Photocopy by purchasing a photocopying card at our welcome desk. You will not be able to use any other IT facilities e.g. library PCs, laptops and printers for printing and scanning that require student/staff log in.

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.