The current position

We are sorry to say that the SCONUL Access Scheme is suspended as a result of the current pandemic.  This means that we cannot process new applications or renew applications, and that participating libraries are not accepting visitors from other libraries under the scheme.  We are afraid that no exceptions are possible to this rule. This is because capacity within member libraries is severely restricted due to the need for social distancing. Universities, including university libraries, are required to abide by the relevant government guidelines and this means that it is not possible for libraries to facilitate external visitors in most cases.

Next steps

We remain fully committed to opening up the scheme again as soon as it is safe and practical to do so, and we are keeping this under regular review.  Given the information currently available, we believe it to be unlikely that the scheme will return to full functioning this academic year (2020-21). We will be consulting member institutions on routes to reopening the scheme later this academic year.

Help in the meantime

In the meantime, our member libraries are doing all they can to ensure that their staff, researchers and students can access the books and journals they need during this difficult time, and scheme users wanting to use particular resources should speak to the library staff at their own institution who will be able to assist.  Those wishing to access archives and special collections should do the same – staff at their home library will be able to provide advice and support on routes to access.