Join our library

As a graduate, you can have free library membership for up to 24 months from the completion date of your course.

Membership details

• Borrow up to four items at any one time
• Study in the drop-in quiet zones in our libraries

You can also connect to the ‘BCU Open Wifi’ on your own device. Electronic resource access via the library is limited, however you can search for Open Access resources via the Library Search on the homepage.

After the 24 month period has ended, there will be an annual £35 non-refundable charge payable at the Library Help Desk (card payment only) when you collect your library card. Example: if you graduated in July 2020, you will be eligible for free membership until July 2022. After July 2022, the annual fee will apply.

Apply for Alumni Library Membership

Alumni membership will provide you with access to any of our libraries, subject to the following:

• You'll need to provide proof of alumni status and name and current UK address (dated within three months of application).
• You'll need to bring your library card and proof of ID with you every time you want to access the library.
• A replacement charge of £10 is made for lost cards.

Applications will be processed within five working days from receipt of your application form.

If you have been issued an Associate staff card by the university, you will need to separately apply for library membership.

Ask your line manager or head of faculty for a letter (an electronic version is fine) confirming your position and employment dates at the university. We will need to know the end date of your contract to enable access to the library system. This can be extended if your contract continues.

Come to the library Help Desk during staffed hours with this letter and your Associate ID card, and we will arrange membership for you. The process takes around ten minutes.

Some Individuals associated with the institution (including retired members of BCU staff, External Examiners, RBCA life members, and certain NHS employees who are affiliated with Birmingham City University) can apply for fee-exempt membership.

Fee-exempt membership is at the discretion of Library & Learning Resources. If you would like to discuss whether you would be entitled to fee-exempt membership, please email us or phone us on 0121 331 5282.

Apply for fee exempt membership

Fee exempt membership will provide you with access to any of our libraries, subject to the following:

• You'll need to bring your library card and proof of ID with you every time you want to access the library.
• A replacement charge of £10 is made for lost cards.

The SCONUL Access scheme allows students and staff from participating universities to join our library. Services will vary depending on the band of membership which you are entitled to. More information about bands is available on the SCONUL website.

Membership details

• Borrow up to four items at any one time (Bands A, B, C only)
• Study in the drop-in quiet zones in our libraries (Bands A, B, C, R)

You can also connect to the ‘BCU Open Wifi’ on your own device. Electronic resource access via the library is limited, however you can search for Open Access resources via the Library Search on the homepage.

Before applying to Birmingham City University, you will need to become a member of the SCONUL Access scheme. Unfortunately we can't process any applications without this membership. Once you have received an email from SCONUL confirming your membership, please apply below. Please note that even if you have had previous SCONUL membership at Birmingham City University, you will need to reapply from 15 November 2021.

Apply for BCU SCONUL membership

SCONUL membership will provide you with access to any of our libraries, subject to the following:

• You'll need to provide proof of your SCONUL membership (e.g. acceptance email) and name and current UK address (dated within three months of application).
• You'll need to bring your library card and proof of ID with you every time you want to access the library.
• A replacement charge of £10 is made for lost cards.

Applications will be processed within ten working days from receipt of your application form.

If you are a BCU student looking to visit other libraries, please apply via the SCONUL website.

Members of the Royal College of Organists are invited to join Birmingham City University libraries at no charge.

To join, please complete the application form below.

Apply for RCO membership

RCO membership will provide you with access to any of our libraries, subject to the following:

• You'll need to bring your library card and proof of ID with you every time you want to access the library.
• A replacement charge of £10 is made for lost cards.