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Library services: essentials

Alumni Subscribers

Students who have graduated from Solent University can apply for a free Alumni ID card.

This can be used to access a variety of benefits including subscriber membership of the library  (library membership must be selected when applying for your card).

What's included?

Library membership will allow you to study in the library and borrow up to four books at a time (one week loans) with renewals, where possible, by phone or email.

Please note: Alumni membership does not include access to the library's computers, photocopiers, study rooms or electronic resources.

For information about other benefits and support available to Solent Alumni, please visit solent.ac.uk/alumni

How to apply

Use the link at the bottom of this page to update your details and apply for your free ID card.

To avoid any delays, please make sure you select 'yes' when asked if you will be accessing Solent Library.

You will also need to upload a clear photo of just your head and shoulders which will be used to create your ID card (file format must be either JPEG or PNG). Please DO NOT upload a photo of your passport or visa.

If you already have an Alumni ID card but do not currently have library access, please email us at library.loans@solent.ac.uk

Collecting your card

If you have selected library access when applying for you Alumni card, we will email you when your card is ready to collect.  Your application will be processed as quickly as possible, but please allow up to two weeks for your card to be ready.

After receiving an email from us, you will need to bring valid photographic ID with you to the library to collect the card (if you have recently graduated we will usually accept your old campus card if it is in good condition). The name on your ID must match the name given in the application.

The card will need to be collected from the library within one month.

APPLY FOR AN ALUMNI CARD

(If you already have an Alumni ID card but do not currently have library access, please email us at library.loans@solent.ac.uk)

Whom to contact

Contact the Loans Office for more information:

Email: library.loans@solent.ac.uk

SCONUL Access

Please check the SCONUL Access website for current updates.

 

Sconul Subscribers

The library at Solent University is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme.  

To get access to Solent Library as a SCONUL subscriber, you must have an approval e-mail from SCONUL and a valid ID card from your own university.  (If you do not already have SCONUL membership, and require further information about the scheme, please follow this link: https://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access).

Once you have a Solent Library SCONUL subscriber card you will be able to enter the library during opening hours.  Some subscribers may be eligible to borrow books (this depends on the type of SCONUL subscription approved by your home university).

Membership does not include access to the library's computers, photocopiers, study rooms or electronic resources.

How to get a Solent Library SCONUL card

Once SCONUL has confirmed your membership of the scheme, you will need to get a Solent Library SCONUL subscriber card.  This can only be done online as you will need to upload a clear photograph showing just your head and shoulders, in .jpg, .png, or .jpeg format.  We cannot process any other formats.  When uploading a photo, please DO NOT send a photo of your passport, visa or other document.  We are unable to process applications made using a photo from another document.  You will also need to forward your SCONUL approval e-mail to us (we will delete this e-mail once we have created the card).

When your card is ready to collect we will e-mail you to let you know.  This is usually within 5 working days during term-time (unless we have a query with your application).  

To collect your card you must have valid photo ID (we do not accept photocopies or digital copies of ID).

If you wish to renew your library card or you need a replacement because it has been lost or damaged, you should also apply online (you will need a valid SCONUL approval e-mail).

APPLY FOR A SUBSCRIBERS CARD

Whom to contact

Contact the Loans office for more information:

Email: library.loans@solent.ac.uk

Visitors

Applying for a Visitor pass

Members of the public who would like to visit the library must apply in advance for a visitor pass.  These are usually processed within 3 working days but it may take longer during busy periods.  Passes will be valid for 1 year.  When uploading a photo, please DO NOT use a photo of your passport / visa.  We are unable to process applications made using a photo of your passport. You will need to upload a clear photograph showing just your head and shoulders, in .jpg, .png, or .jpeg format.  We cannot process any other formats.

APPLY FOR A VISITORS PASS

Solent University Alumni and SCONUL members can apply for subscriber membership instead.

When can visitors use the library?

The library is open for members of the public with a visitor pass to use as a reference collection during the following hours only:

  • Monday - Friday (term-time) - 8.00-23:00
  • Saturday and Sunday (term-time) - 11:00-23:00
  • Vacation hours (these are advertised shortly before each vacation).

There may be times when we are required to restrict access for visitors such as national lockdowns.  Any changes will be advertised on the library website.

All visitors must show a valid visitor pass to enter the library.  If you lose your pass you will need to apply again using the link above.

What can visitors use in the library?

  • Use the books as a reference
  • Use the various non-bookable study spaces

What can visitors NOT use or do in the library?

  • Use computers
  • Use bookable study rooms
  • Borrow any items

Are children allowed in the library?

Children who are accompanied by an adult may visit the library. Children must be accompanied at all times and adults are responsible for ensuring that children are safe and do not cause disruption.

Where can I find more information?

For more information, please open the attached documents.

You can also contact us via email: library.loans@solent.ac.uk