Visitors and members of the public are welcome to use the University Library in Catalyst for individual research and study. You’ll need to complete our visitor registration process.
Important to Know
We don’t allow tutoring, support work, or any other paid or voluntary work by outside individuals or organisations in the library.
Visitors Under 18
Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times unless visiting as part of an organised school visit, event or Open Day.
Before leaving Sign out at the Helpdesk before you leave.
When You Can Visit
You can visit the library during Helpdesk opening hours, which are usually 8am–8pm on weekdays and 10am–6pm at weekends.
Outside these hours, access is restricted to Edge Hill staff and students. If you’re visiting after 5pm on a weekday or at the weekend, use the intercom and a member of staff will let you in.
What You Can Access as a Visitor
While you’re here, you can:
Use our open-access study spaces
Browse our print books and journals
Search our collection online using Discover More
Access a selection of electronic resources through the Walk-in User agreement
We can provide a guest login for one of our PCs, but availability can be limited. If possible, we recommend bringing your own device.
Electronic resources
Due to licensing restrictions, visitors can only access a limited number of electronic resources while they’re in the library.
You’ll need to ask Catalyst Helpdesk staff for a guest login to access these resources. You’re welcome to contact us before you visit to check we have access to what you need.
Membership
Edge Hill Staff and Students
If you’re a current Edge Hill student or staff member, you’re automatically a library member—no need to sign up!
What You Can Access with an External Membership
A membership allows you to borrow up to 5 items from our standard loan collection and, in certain cases, access a limited number of electronic resources remotely.
Alumni
If you’re an Edge Hill graduate, you can join the library for free. This includes borrowing rights and access to some electronic resources from home.
Visit our Alumni Library Membership page to register.
You can apply for membership through the SCONUL Access Scheme, which lets you use university libraries across the UK and Ireland.
Part-time students, researchers, distance learners and academic staff can borrow items.
Undergraduate students can use the library for reference only.
Once approved, bring your confirmation email and university ID to the Catalyst Helpdesk and we’ll set up your library access.
Academic Partnership Staff
If you support Edge Hill students through one of our academic partnerships, you can apply for a library account with access to selected electronic resources.
If none of these membership options apply to you, but you’d still like to use the library, complete the form below, and we’ll consider your request. We’ll usually need an Edge Hill staff member to support your application.