The Library Reader Services Desk is staffed from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. We can replace damaged and lost library cards up until 4:45pm.
If you are a new student or member of staff requesting a new library card please check the advice in the relevant section below about registration and providing a photograph for the card. If you have any queries or issues following the outlined advice, please contact Library staff for advice via library@bath.ac.uk.
We can also post cards to current staff and students upon request, please advise us of your postal address when mailing us via library@bath.ac.uk
We do not take new library card pictures at the Reader Services Desk - you will need to provide your card image during online registration or via email (as detailed below) before you visit the Library to obtain a new student, staff or visitor library card.
You will be charged £5 to replace a lost library card. Lost cards are invalidated when a replacement is printed.
Library cards are not required for access to online library resources or for anyone not currently based on the campus in Bath.
Your preferred pronouns can be printed on new and replacement cards. Please ask Reader Services staff for advice when asking about a new or replacement card.
You can use your library card to:
Library members should only have one valid library card at any one time. Lost cards are invalidated when a replacement is printed. Invalidated cards that have been replaced may be retained and destroyed by University staff.
Invalidated cards cannot be reactivated or used for campus services such as access, campus food and drink credit or library loans. Please see the advice at the end of this page relating to lost cards for further information.
There are different types of Library membership. These are:
We are able to send new and replacement library cards by post to new and returning students and staff. If you are unable to come to campus in person, please contact Library staff for advice via library@bath.ac.uk if you would like to have your card sent to you.
The Library Reader Services Desk is staffed from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. We can replace damaged and lost library cards up until 4:45pm. You can also email us via library@bath.ac.uk if you cannot visit the Library and would like a replacement card posted to you.
You can help us produce your library card before you arrive as a new student. Upload your photo during the University registration process through the Photo Upload portal (also linked below).
You should complete registration and upload a photograph so that library staff can print your card before you get here. If you have not already done so go to the Photo Upload Service link:
You will be advised by email once your card is printed.
Please contact Library staff for advice via library@bath.ac.uk to obtain a new card or if you are having problems uploading a photograph before you visit the Library. You can select whether or not you would like your preferred pronouns to be printed on the card during the Photo Upload process too.
If you aren't visiting the University campus, please contact Library staff for advice via library@bath.ac.uk about getting your card sent to you. Please advise Library staff if you would like to have your preferred pronouns printed on the card.
You can borrow 30 books at a time using your library card. A video guide for using our Self-Issue facilities is also available.
Your card is valid until the end of your course of studies. Please refer to your department and Student Records for advice about obtaining a course extension.
You can also use your library card to:
The Library card automatically grants University of Bath undergraduate and postgraduate students entry to the Library and Virgil building. If you need access to extra facilities or departmental spaces, contact your department or accommodation service as required for further advice.
The Library Reader Services Desk is staffed from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (outside of University closed days). We can replace damaged and lost library cards up until 4:45pm. You can also email us via library@bath.ac.uk if you would like a replacement card posted to you if you are working off campus.
Your library card is linked to other University systems so you need to have a staff profile on Person Finder before you can have a card.
We recommend that new staff contact the library by email to library@bath.ac.uk to request a new card before visiting.
When contacting us please send:
You may also use the Photo Upload service if you have your University of Bath login details already. You can select whether or not you would like your preferred pronouns to be printed on the card during the Photo Upload process too.
Whether you send us a picture or use the Photo Upload facility, you will be advised by email when the card is ready to collect or when it has been dispatched to your address if you have asked for it to be posted.
Please contact the Library staff via library@bath.ac.uk for advice about obtaining and updated or replacement library card or visit during our staffed hours. If you would like your preferred pronouns to be printed on the replacement card please let us know when you contact us.
You can borrow 30 items at a time using your card. A video guide for using our Self-Issue facilities is also available.
You can use your library card as a form of identification to get some staff discounts.
Staff cards are valid for up to five years or until the expiry of your contract. If you are still working at the University when your card expires, you can renew it. Please contact the Library for advice in advance of your card expiry date. You'll receive an email reminder one month before your card expiry date.
If you need your card to provide access to other facilities, labs and workspaces please refer to colleagues in your department for further advice or place a request to Access Control staff. Unfortunately, Library staff have no authority to grant or edit door access permissions across campus.
Paid Membership of the Library
The Library offers external/visitor memberships to members of the public. Please note there is an annual membership charge of £150.
This grants you a membership card to enter the Library at any time and the right to borrow up to 5 books at a time subject to our usual circulation rules. Please contact the Reader Services team via library@bath.ac.uk if this membership would benefit you.
SCONUL Access members
You can apply for SCONUL Access membership via the Reader Services Desk once you have registered with the scheme. It is recommended that requests for new SCONUL Access library cards be made by email to library@bath.ac.uk in advance of your visit.
To make a new Library card, you will need to provide:
Please also bring your home university membership card as proof of your student or staff status when you visit the University of Bath Library for the first time to collect our membership card. You can collect or request a new Library card from the Reader Services Desk.
Please note we do not have provision for taking photographs of applicants for new staff, student or visitor cards. We recommend that you provide an image in a digital format via email in advance of your visit or that you have an image you can email to us when you visit.
You can review general information for visitors online or contact Library staff via library@bath.ac.uk for further advice.
Library staff have gathered a list of free online resources visitors might find useful.