Visiting other libraries

Access arrangements to public and university libraries vary. You are advised to check in advance of your visit.

Search other library catalogues

Almost all public and university libraries have a free-to-search catalogue. Here are our recommended library catalogues:

National libraries

Education and research libraries

  • Library Hub Discover
    Library Hub Discover replaces Copac and SUNCAT, offering increased coverage of university libraries along with new features. Over 110 institutions contribute bibliographic records.
  • M25 consortium of higher education libraries
    Provides access to the library catalogues of a group of higher education institutions in and around London.
  • WorldCat
    Find items in research and public libraries near you and in libraries across the world.

Public libraries

  • LibrariesWest
    A partnership between Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire public library services.

Other university libraries

UWE Bristol students and staff can access most other UK university libraries through the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) Access Scheme.

To join this scheme, you will need to apply online before visiting the library you wish to join. You will need to be in good standing with UWE Bristol Library at the time of your application with no overdue books.

Eduroam

UWE Bristol participates in the eduroam service, which means that staff and students from UWE Bristol visiting other universities can access their wireless internet.

Find out what to do before visiting other institutions to ensure you can connect to eduroam wifi: Wifi and remote access

Public libraries

You can use public libraries to borrow items, access online resources remotely or just as an alternative place to study, across the LibrariesWest region.

Join LibrariesWest online for access to online resources resources including e-books (fiction and non-fiction), e-audio, e-magazines and e-comics, or take your UWE Bristol ID card to the help desk on your first visit and they will register your card on the LibrariesWest system.

Online resources from public libraries may include: Zinio, a collection of online magazines; Access to Research, a collection of academic journals and their contents; and various digital UK and international daily and weekly newspapers.

To find out more about what resources are available, search online resources, or go to any public library in your area.

Public libraries in the following local authorities are part of Libraries West:

Join LibrariesWest online

About the partnership

The project partners are South Gloucestershire's Library Service (on behalf of LibrariesWest) and UWE Bristol Library Services. The project is funded by the South Western Regional Library Service (SWRLS). 

NHS libraries

Many UWE Bristol students are eligible for full access to NHS libraries (including access to electronic resources through NHS Athens). If you are not sure if you qualify, you should enquire for clarification from either your local NHS library service (see below) or contact us. This service usually applies to students on health and applied sciences courses which involve clinical practice and placements within NHS services.

To apply for library membership, contact the appropriate library. These include:

See also the full list of Health Libraries in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

NHS Athens

If you are an eligible UWE Bristol student in the College of Health, Science and Society, you will automatically receive a registration email giving you your NHS Athens username and password to enable access to electronic databases and other resources used within the NHS.

How do I log in?

Go to the NHS OpenAthens login page , enter your username and password, then click on the NHS Evidence logo at the top right of the screen to access the resources.

Log in to NHS OpenAthens

Logging in to databases via NHS OpenAthens: FAQs

What is NHS OpenAthens?

Athens is an authentication system used to control access to databases.

Your NHS OpenAthens username and password will grant you access to databases subscribed to by NHS England.

One of the main benefits of NHS OpenAthens is that this interface will be the one you use when you start work in the NHS.

Am I eligible to use NHS Open Athens?

You are eligible if you are a student on an education programme which involves practice and placement within NHS provider services.

You will automatically receive a registration email giving you your NHS OpenAthens username and password.

How long will access last?

It will last for the duration of your UWE Bristol course.

Do I need to pay?

No, access to databases with your NHS OpenAthens username and password is free.

What extra databases and other resources can I access?

UWE Bristol resources and NHS resources are complementary. Extra resources you can access from the NHS include the following:

  • Health Business Elite – Health care administration and other non-clinical aspects of health care institution management
  • Additional Electronic Journals.

Your NHS Libraries (PDF) - find out about NHS library services in the South West.

How can I get training on these databases?

Please contact your local NHS trust library. You can search for their details using the Health Library & Information Services Directory (HLSID).

I’ve lost my registration email with my username. What do I do?

Contact the library and let us know. We will endeavour to help you as soon as possible.

I’ve forgotten my password. How can I get it?

You can reset the password yourself. Go to password reset.

British Library (London)

The British Library in London is a research Library, not a public reference library. Admission is by reader's pass and access is only granted to those who can demonstrate that they need to consult material not available elsewhere.

Registering for a BL Reader Pass