Other Visitors

Changes to external visitor access policies

Following review of visitor policies for SCONUL and Independent Researchers, the following changes will be implemented from Monday 28 October 2024: 

• All visitors must apply in advance of their first visit 

• Visitors who forget their membership card will not be allowed entry 

• Restrictions on access to libraries during the examination periods will be removed 

Eligibility

Visitors from institutions not eligible for the SCONUL Access scheme, private researchers and members of the public are welcome to visit our libraries for reference access only, if they can demonstrate a genuine research need for physical resources in our collections. 

You can apply for Independent Researcher membership.

One Day Access

One Day Passes are issued at the Welcome Desk, without the need to apply in advance once per academic year.

Just turn up at the Library Welcome Desk during staffed hours with a valid form of official ID or a valid student/staff card from your institution.

You will be asked to complete a form and, if you satisfy the criteria above, you will be given a One Day Pass.

Independent Researcher Membership

If you need repeated access to view physical items from our collections, you are welcome to apply for Independent Researcher Membership by completing the Repeated access for external visitors form.

Maximum length of the membership is three months, renewable, and access during term time is limited to off-peak hours (from 18:00 to 00:00 during the week, from 08:00 to 00:00 at weekends).

Please note:

• External visitors will not have borrowing rights, access to PCs, print services or e-resources and can join the QM Visitor Wi-Fi
• We reserve the right to restrict access during exam periods