Visiting 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. As such, walk-in access and use of the study spaces is not available. Access to printed materials not available via public libraries may be provided.
Members of the public who wish to consult printed Library materials which are not available elsewhere can arrange up to 5 visits per academic year. All visits must be arranged at least 2 working days in advance (longer notice periods may be required for items held at our Off-site Store or in Closed Access). Please email library@reading.ac.uk with details of the item(s) that you require, and the dates you would like to consult them. We will endeavour to fulfil your request.
On arrival at the Library, please report to the Welcome Desk and present photographic proof of identification, such as a passport or driving licence. If you do not have any photographic identification, then we ask that you present two recent printed forms of identification which must confirm your name and address, e.g. current council tax bill, or a bank statement, or utility bill dated within the last 3 months.
All visitors must arrive between 09:00 - 17:00 on the day of their arranged visit. During University assessment periods (currently late March to early June), visits are only permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.
Please note that visitors will not have access to computers within the Library and must request Wi-Fi access in advance of their visit. Wi-Fi access is provided via Eduroam. Anyone with access to this network via their own institution should be able to connect on arrival without requiring guest access.
If you have a specific requirement for access to our resources (e.g. local school pupils working on an EPQ) that would not be covered by the visitor policy or external membership, please contact library@reading.ac.uk explaining your needs and we will consider your request on a case-by-case basis.