Using other libraries

NTU is a member of a number of schemes which allow you to access other university libraries.

Under these schemes, you will not usually be allowed to access the electronic resources provided by these libraries, although you will be able to search their online catalogues to see if they hold the material you are looking for, either via their own web pages or through COPAC, the combined catalogues of major university, specialist and national libraries in the UK and Ireland.

If you want to get hold of an item in another library and you are a member of staff, researcher, postgraduate or undergraduate in your final two years, you are eligible to use the Inter-library loans (ILL) or Secure document delivery (SED) services offered by the British Library.

SCONUL Access

This is the main access scheme and is a cooperative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. It enables staff, research students, full time postgraduates and part-time, distance learning and placement students to borrow material from other libraries.

To register you need to complete an application form downloaded from the SCONUL Access website and bring it to the Information Desk in any of the NTU libraries, together with your NTU smart card. After the usual checks on your status, you will be given a SCONUL Access card, which you can then use at any of the participating libraries.

British Library

You can use the main reading Rooms of the British Library by application. You will need to provide personal identification and proof of address, plus your NTU Smartcard and will be subject to a discussion on what your research needs are and what is the best way to satisfy them.

Inspire

This is a nationwide referral scheme which is aimed at making the combined range of resources of many public, HE, FE and national libraries as widely available as possible on a reference basis. There are no documents or cards, but it is advisable to take your NTU Smartcard and some other ID with you. Some libraries prefer you to phone before your visit, so check on the Inspire website before you go.

Public libraries

Join your public library! Although the library may not stock many specialised subject resources, there is an extended range of material. Note that inter-library loan facilities may be available but there may be a charge. Some of the larger reference libraries will have collections that are particularly useful for subjects such as business or local history. The UK Public Libraries page includes links to public library catalogues on the web.

Special libraries

You may have access to a workplace library or belong to a professional association that has a library service. If so, make the most of the resources available to you.

Locating other institutions

The UK active map of Universities and HE Institutions offers a useful guide to the location of other institutions, as well as providing direct access to their library catalogues and information on a range of facilities and profiles. There is also a lot of useful subject and reference resources on the HERO website.