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UHI North, West and Hebrides Library Facilities and Services

Information and guidance about using NWH Libraries

Sconul Access Scheme

Sconul

Sconul enables UHI students and staff to use other university libraries in different parts of the UK.

UHI is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme, a co-operative scheme which supports the learning resource needs of distance learning, part-time and placement students, along with academic and support staff, in the UK.  Although UHI is participating not all Institutions you may wish to visit currently are.  A list of currently non-participating institutions is available from the Sconul website. 

As a UHI student or staff member you can access other libraries within the scheme. If you were previously registered to use the scheme you will have to reapply if your access has expired.

  • To join, visit www.access.sconul.ac.uk
  • Complete Step #1 by selecting what kind of user you are and Step #2 by selecting the name of your institution and click on find
  • Complete the online library access application form and submit
  • You will then receive an email to confirm your application has been sent*
  • Once your application has been approved you will receive an email which you must present to the institution you wish to visit along with your home university library or ID card. If you are a student you can find this via UHI MyDay - My Student ID tile.

The borrowing arrangements, for example the number of books you may borrow, is at the discretion of each individual university. There may be some restrictions on the types of materials you can borrow, such as books in high demand at that particular institute.  You should also appreciate that local libraries, even academic ones, may not stock books or journals relevant to your area of study.

Note that licensing agreements usually restrict access to electronic databases to only staff and students enrolled in that particular university or college.

Be prepared to abide by the rules of the library you wish to use. You will be responsible for any fines or replacement costs incurred.

*If your application is denied you will receive an email to notify you.

Using other libraries

National Library of Scotland (NLS) and SCOTBIS

The National Library of Scotland, the largest library in Scotland, has a collection of over 6 million items. As a 'legal deposit' library it can claim a single copy of every publication produced in the UK. NLS is however a reference library so its stock is not available for loan. The Library also provides access to a number of useful electronic resources.

Accessing NLS

Make sure you read the advice about what forms of identification NLS will accept on your first visit on the relevant pages above.

SCOTBIS

SCOTBIS The Scottish Business Information Service (SCOTBIS) is part of the National Library of Scotland, and is based in the National Library building on George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.  SCOTBIS is based on the vast resources of the National Library of Scotland. At NLS you can access market research reports, business databases, international directories, and business and trade journals (some remotely). The Scottish Business Information Service welcomes enquiries from students who require information not held at the University Library.

The British Library

UHI doctoral students, research masters students and staff researchers can complete this form to request Inter-library loans from the British Library and other institutions. Your request will be submitted to the UHI library service for processing. Please include as much information as possible to ensure it can be dealt with promptly. Fields marked with the asterisk (*) are mandatory. You can explore the British Library catalogues and collections directly from here.