Information for external visitors

The University of York Library is open to visitors and members of the public.

If you don't have a University Card, please visit the Library reception desk to the right of the turnstiles in the main Library building. You will be issued with a temporary card which will allow you to enter the Library for the day. Visitors can enter the King's Manor Library without a card.

If you would like to use the main Library on a long-term basis (eg. more than a month), please ask for a long-term access card at the Library Help Desk. York residents may also be able to take advantage of our York Community Membership and borrow items: follow the Membership link below.

Accessing books, journals and other physical resources

Anyone can visit the main Library or King's Manor Library to browse the resources on our shelves and use them for reference.

You can search our library catalogue from home, or from the Library Catalogue PCs on each floor of the Library.

In order to take books out of the Library building, you must be a Library member. Visitors and members of the public may be able to join the Library as members.

Getting here

Information about finding the Library, public transport and car parking

Membership

Find out how you can join the Library and borrow items

Library Catalogue

Browse all our resources on YorSearch

E-resources access for visitors

The Walk-in Access scheme can be used by external members and visitors to access a range of electronic resources whose licence agreements allow use by anyone on the Library premises. You'll find many of our online resources via the eResources Guide, but please note that not all will be available - see the 'Excluded e-Resources' below for more info. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer full or remote access to our e-resources for non-university members due to the licence terms with our providers.

The service is available on a first come, first served basis during full service hours at the JB Morrell Library. It is not available during self-service hours or at the King's Manor Library.

Using the Walk-in Access service

To use the service, please ask at the Library and IT Help Desk. You will need to provide proof of identity and sign and agree to the Walk-in Access Terms and Conditions each time you use the service.

The Walk-in Access computer terminals have a USB port to enable you to save information. Unfortunately printing is not available for external visitors at this time.

Please note:

  • These resources may only be used for educational purposes. Use for commercial purposes is prohibited.
  • Library staff are only able to provide minimal support to individuals using this service. The resources have extensive online help pages and we would expect you to make use of these.
  • The service does not provide access to email, software (eg Microsoft Office) or the internet.

Information for alumni

York Graduates can join the Library as an external member, which will allow you to access the Library and borrow books. As a member, you will be able to access some of our e-resources through the Walk-In Access scheme.

Alumni and retired staff are also able to access JSTOR, an archive collection of academic journals covering a wide range of subjects. You do not need to join the Library for this service as access is provided by York for Life: see the 'Virtual Library' section of the following page:

We are investigating extending the services we provide for York graduates, and value your input. Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments about the Library services, or if you have any ideas for services you would be interested in.