Joining the Library

Our primary aim is to support teaching, learning and research undertaken by members of the University. Services to the wider academic and local community are provided where this can be achieved without prejudice to the primary clientele. 

University Members

• Students & Staff - All current University students are automatically granted Library membership. Your Student/Staff Campus Card will allow you to access and borrow items from the Library.
• Associate Members (including Visitors to Academic departments and Courtesy Title holders) - Please apply for Library membership using the online application form.

External Groups & Members of the Public

Membership and borrowing rights may be granted, at the discretion of the University Librarian, to members of the public aged 18 and over who live or work in Reading. Please complete the online application form.

Library membership will entitle you to:

• an external borrower membership card providing you access to the building and enabling you to borrow items
• access to all our printed materials
• ten standard or semester loan items
• these can be borrowed for up to six weeks unless recalled by another person
• guest Wi-Fi access for the duration of your membership (on request only)

An annual subscription costs £120 (including VAT), although the groups below may qualify for membership at discounted rates:

• Staff & Students from UK Universities that participate in reciprocal access schemes such as SCONUL ACCESS, SCONUL Summer Vacation Access Scheme & Access25 (Terms of membership vary depending on scheme & individual status) -  Annual membership – no charge
• Reading graduates  - Annual membership - £60
• Friends of the University members - Annual membership - £60
• Members of the Lord Zuckerman Centre and Reading Scientific Services Ltd - Annual membership – no charge
• Members of the Science and Technology Centre and Reading Enterprise Centre  - Annual membership – no charge
• Retired University staff -  Annual membership - £60
• Teachers at partnership schools - Annual membership - £60
• Asylum seekers & Refugees -  Annual reference membership – no charge

See our Privacy notice (PDF) for information on what personal information we collect, hold and share in order to provide Library services to you and your rights in respect of the data we hold about you.