Queen Mary University of London students and staff have access to a range of libraries in London and across the UK. If you are looking for information on visiting Queen Mary University libraries, see our Visitor access and membership webpage.
Senate House Library
Senate House Library is the central library for the University of London. It is one of the UK’s largest academic libraries for arts, humanities and social sciences and includes many collections of national and international importance.
All Queen Mary staff and students are entitled to free membership of Senate House. This enables you to access their library study spaces, borrow books and use their online resources.
The library offers a range of individual and group study spaces. It is located in the Bloomsbury area of Central London and can be accessed via a number of tube lines and buses.
To join the library:
- E-Resource access only: complete the online registration form using your university email address. You will receive a confirmation email containing your login details.
- Library Access and borrowing:
- Complete the online registration form using your university email address
- When your membership is complete, you can register for the library web app for cardless access to the library, or take your Queen Mary ID card to the membership desk during staffed hours to collect a library card
Other libraries you can visit:
The British Library
The British Library is the national library of the UK and one of the world’s largest libraries. All Queen Mary students and staff with a valid research need are able to visit and join the Library.
- To use the library reading rooms and access items in the collection you need to apply for a free Reader Pass. You can use the public spaces to study without a pass
- To access an item in the collection you will need to request it in advance
To search the catalogue and apply for a reader pass see the How to use the British Library webpage.
Please note, in October 2023 the British Library suffered a major cyber-attack. As a consequence, you will need a Reader Pass that was issued or renewed after 21 March 2023 to request collection items.
UK university libraries using the SCONUL Access scheme
Current Queen Mary students and staff can register for the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) access scheme. This scheme allows you to access over 170 libraries in the UK. The access and use of these libraries will depend on your SCONUL ‘Band’:
- Band A: Staff and postgraduate research students
- Band B: Part-time, distance learning and placement students
- Band C: Postgraduate taught students
- Band R: Undergraduate students
Staff and students eligible for Bands A, B or C should be able to borrow from SCONUL Access libraries. Band R students are not able to borrow.
To join the SCONUL Access scheme:
- Go to https://access.sconul.ac.uk/
- Select your level of study (Step 1) and Queen Mary University (Step 2)
- Select ‘Find’
- Select a library you are interested in visiting
We aim to process applications within 7 days. Please note we will be unable to approve your application if there are outstanding charges or overdue items on your library account.
Please note:
- You only need to apply for SCONUL Access once. After your application has been accepted you will receive a confirmation email. Take your confirmation email with your Queen Mary ID to the libraries you wish to visit
- Each library will have its own procedures and opening hours for SCONUL visitors, you may need to apply in advance. Check their website before you travel
- Membership of the SCONUL Access scheme is valid until the expiry date of your library account, or up to 3 years, whichever is sooner.
University of London institution libraries
QMUL staff and students have reference access to many of the libraries of University of London institutions. Visit the University of London Federation webpage for a list of members.
- Each library will have its own opening hours and terms of access, please check their website before you travel
- If the library is a member of SCONUL Access you may be eligible for additional access and borrowing rights if you apply to visit using the scheme
Research libraries in London using the Access25 scheme
Postgraduate research students and staff are eligible to join the Access25 mutual access scheme. A list of current participating libraries is available on the Access25 website. Membership is valid for 1 year, or up to the expiry date of your library account, whichever is sooner.
If you are applying to visit a HE institution, we recommend that you use the SCONUL Access Scheme instead.
To join the Access25 scheme:
- Complete the Access25 application form and email a copy to library@qmul.ac.uk
- Library staff will check the application and issue an Access25 Borrowing card. You will receive an email when it is ready to collect
- Cards can be collected from Mile End Library Welcome Desk during library staffed hours
We aim to process requests within 7 days. Please note that we will be unable to approve your application if there are outstanding fines or overdue items on your library account.
Each library you visit will have its own procedures for Access25 visitors, we recommend checking their website before you travel.
Other libraries
See the Resource Guide for your subject for recommendations of other libraries to visit related to your area of study and research.