Q. What are the different library membership options?

SCONUL access is a national scheme which allows academic staff, postgraduates and part-time, placement or distance learning undergraduates from participating institutions to register with, and borrow from, other university libraries.

The University of Liverpool Library is a member of SCONUL Access. If you fall into any of the above categories from a participating institution, you can apply online for Sconul Access. Once your application is approved by your home library, you can apply for membership using our online application form.

Sconul band A, B and C  can borrow up to 10 books for four weeks. Items are auto-renewed every four weeks unless requested by another customer.

• Band A (Staff or Research Postgraduates from other Universities)
• Band B (Part Time Postgraduates or Undergraduates/ distance learner / placement from other Universities),
• Band C (full time PG from other universities)

Sconul band R (Full time Undergraduates) can only use the library for reference purposes.

Use of the main library PCs, short loan materials and the Get It For Me service are not included in the scheme. Access to our online resources is available to all visitors with a valid library membership only on our dedicated walk-in access PCs. Please ask at the library help desks if you wish to use this service.

We are also part of the SCONUL Summer Vacation Scheme.

Please note: Some universities are not part of the SCONUL Scheme. If you are a member of a university or teaching institution that does not participate in SCONUL, then you are welcome to apply for a visitor card under the School/College option below

Alumni include former UoL students, former UoL International Summer School students, and UoL Honorary Graduates. All must  register for an Alumni account  prior to applying for library membership.

Graduates of the University of Liverpool are welcome to join the Library as Alumni members following graduation.

Alumni can borrow up to 10 books for four weeks. All items are auto-renewed every four weeks unless requested by another customer. The only exception to this are Library Use Only books which can be used within the Library for reference purposes only. These are clearly labelled with a yellow sticker. Alumni can request up to eight item through our Click&Collect service.

Alumni can also access many of the library’s range of the library’s extensive electronic resources through the Walk-in access to University Library e-resources service. This service is available to registered members of the library who are able to visit the library in person. Please ask at the Help Desk in the Harold Cohen or Sydney Jones Library. 

In addition, there is remote access to both JSTOR and Project Muse eJournal collections accessible when you register for an Alumni account . See the Alumni online journals page for information about these collections. 

Sixth form students (16 to 18 years old) can apply for library membership on production of a letter from their school or college confirming that you are a student and the date you expect to leave school. College students (18+) and teaching staff may provide proof of enrolment or employment as applicable when applying for library membership. These must be uploaded when completing our online application form for library membership.

School and college members can access the libraries between 9am-9pm Monday to Friday, and between 9am-5pm on weekends.

Students on the Scholars programme should email scholars@liverpool.ac.uk to activate their account and access the library using the MyLiverpool app.

Learn more about what services we provide to local schools and colleges.

Retired staff of the University of Liverpool can join the library on production of a letter from Human Resources confirming their status as a retired member of staff.

Retired staff will not have an MWS login. Access to our online resources is available to all visitors with a valid library membership only on our dedicated walk-in access PCs. Please ask at the library help desks if you wish to use this service.

Non-medical helpers (support workers and carers) for students on an SSIS Plan are eligible for a visitor card. This allows entrance to the library but no borrowing.

Please note from 1 September 2025 we will not be accepting new or renewal applications for types of membership not listed above, as we continue to progress with our membership review.

However, if you do have a specific resource need, please contact us on library@liverpool.ac.uk

The review and any subsequent changes will help us ensure we have membership options which are fit for purpose and sustainable, while balancing the needs of our students, staff and University community.