For subscription membership, please email our Library Support team for details of how to join and how to pay your fee.
To apply for other membership types, please come directly to the Library Help Zone in either The Sir Michael Cobham Library on Talbot Campus or Weston Library in Bournemouth Gateway Building on Lansdowne Campus. Please note in the table below that some types of membership will have access only to The Sir Michael Cobham Library, and you should go to the helpdesk there to register or update your card.
Please check our staffed opening hours, and note that during evenings and weekends the Libraries are open for self-service only, with no Help Zone service.
Please note the following:
| Membership type | Documents required to join | Length of membership | Access (from 1 August 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference membership |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address within the BH postcode area; **photo ID |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) | The Sir Michael Cobham Library only |
|
External membership - AUB, BPC, Weymouth College, etc. |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; valid student ID card |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library only |
|
Alumni and former staff |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; **photo ID; confirmation email showing status - arrange in advance by contacting [email protected] |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library Weston Library |
| Subscription membership |
Passport sized photo; *proof of address; **photo ID; proof of payment - arrange in advance by contacting [email protected]
|
One year from date of payment |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library Weston Library |
|
SCONUL Access |
Passport sized photo; valid student ID card; confirmation email from SCONUL – arrange in advance via their webpage |
Membership runs to the end of the current academic year (31 July each year) |
The Sir Michael Cobham Library only |
*Acceptable forms of proof of address are: bank statement, mortgage statement, utility bill or mobile phone bill issued within the last three months; local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year; current driving licence; NHS medical card or letter of confirmation from GP's practice of registration with the surgery.
**Acceptable forms of photo ID are: current passport; current driving licence; residence permit; national identity card
Please be aware that if you don't provide the correct documentation and a passport sized photograph we will be unable to complete your application.
Once you've successfully joined we'll issue you with a BU Library ID card. Please carry this with you whenever you visit the library.
Only those aged 16 or over are eligible to apply for membership of the library.