Welcome to Aston University Library and Learning Services, as a visitor you can:

  • Use the Library for study purposes
    Access to the library building may be restricted during our peak exam period.  
  • Borrow 6 books at any one time.
  • Use WiFi via eduroam on own device if a member of an other university or via The Cloud for own device.
    University printers, computers and laptops are not available to visitors.

Apply for a visitor card using one of the schemes below, we will arrange for an ID card to be created which you will need to use to access the building.

Aston graduates (Alumni)

You can apply online if you are an Aston graduate - you will need to upload a passport style digital photo.

If you don't need to visit the Library on a regular basis, but are interested in accessing online resources you have access to,

HSTalks Business & Management CollectionSage Publishing
Over 900 specially prepared, animated, online, video lectures and case studies by experts from commerce, industry, the professions and academia for universities, business schools, colleges continuing professional development. Almost 1,000 journal titles on a wide range of academic subjects including Social Sciences, Business, Life and Health Sciences and Engineering.

As these resources aren't freely available online, contact library@aston.ac.uk to set up a personal account which will allow you to access this content from wherever you are in the world!
If needed, our Information Specialist team can provide specialist subject support.


Make sure to also visit the University Alumni pages to find out about other benefits and services that are available to you including the Alumni Club - your space in the centre of Birmingham.

Retired staff

Please apply online if you are retired member of staff - you will need to upload a passport style digital photo.

SCONUL Access Scheme for staff and students from other universities

Under the arrangements of the SCONUL Access scheme, students and staff who attend member institutions can also apply for a membership card to use the Library on a regular basis if they are: Academic and support staff (band A) Research e.g. Phd (band A)

  • Part time (band B) Distance learning (band B)
  • Placement (band B)
  • Full time postgraduate (band C)

Please apply for your SCONUL Access approval email online and once you have that, complete the Aston University online registration form. You will need to upload a digital photo and your SCONUL Access Approval email along with your application.

Full-time undergraduates are not admitted under the SCONUL Access Scheme.

SCONUL Access Summer Vacation Scheme

Current students (undergraduate or postgraduate) and staff from other universities can come into the Library during the summer vacation - contact us before you visit to check vacation dates.

Students and staff must show a current valid ID card from their own university (the university must be a member of the scheme).

The card must have a recognisable photograph and give university ID number It must give a current date.

Members of the public

We are open for Aston staff and students, graduates, affiliated users and SCONUL members only.