Academic Libraries

Higher education and academic libraries

The M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries represents over 50 members of libraries in universities and with research collections. Between them these libraries have over 20 million volumes of books and journals and receive over 28 million visits a year.

Can I use an academic library if I am studying at college or university outside London?

If you are registered at a UK college or university, this may be part of  SCONUL Access scheme which allows you to use another member library when you are away from college.  The M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries website provides information about access arrangements for the different  M25 member higher education libraries for researchers as well as for private researchers and members of the public who need repeated access to materials (usually on payment of a subscription).  Browse London library collections or  search the catalogues by clicking on the links at the left hand side of this page.

Can I use an academic library if I am a member of the public with a specific interest?

Members of the public can gain access for a single visit to consult printed materials and for reference purposes only through the Inspire London  scheme.   To find out about library collections outside the London area, visit the national  Findit! database