How do I become a member of the library, and what do I need to know?

What membership types are there at the University of Northampton?

• Members of the public
• students and staff from other universities
• retired UON staff
• alumni
• students from Northampton College.

What is and is not included in membership?

All memberships include a card and lanyard, to access the Learning Hub. If you are able to borrow library items, this is also your library card. All membership types, except SCONUL band R, have a minimum loan entitlement of five items from our 4-week loan collection. 

Membership does not include:

• parking of any kind on campus, although there are local pay and display car parks and other travel options
• book reservation
• room booking 
• printers, photocopiers, laptops or PCs
• e-resources
• the School Experience Collection. 

You are also bound by our campus rules, which include:

• you must wear your lanyard and card at all times on campus
• you must not let anyone else knowingly use your card
• you must not use your card to allow other people to enter or exit the building, or borrow any items
• you must respect other campus users, students and staff
• do not damage, or allow to be damaged, any property belonging to UON, including books.

Access to the Waterside Campus 

You do not need membership to access the Waterside Campus. You may make use of the ground floor of the Learning Hub (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday), the ground floors of the Senate building and the Creative Hub (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Guest wifi is available in each of these locations, along with toilets and a range of furniture and study spaces. 

Members of the public can make use of the Waterside Bar and Restaurant, the campus shop (including a Post Office) and the cafés on the ground floors of the Learning Hub and the Sunley Hotel.

The Learning Hub

There is no separate library building on campus – the main physical library collection is arranged across the upper floors of the Learning Hub, which is also home to teaching spaces and staff offices. Access to these upper floors is restricted to staff, students and access card holders.

Information about the membership that is right for you and the forms needed to apply can be found on our website. Questions can be sent to library.membership@northampton.ac.uk.