How it works

We offer free membership to support individuals - including RGU Alumni and those studying for professional qualifications or seeking to keep up to date with professional issues.

Community and Alumni members can borrow 5 books at any time and also place holds on items via the Library Catalogue. Membership is annual and will need renewed if still required the following year.

Is there anything I can't borrow?

Journals and other items on the shelves that are reference only cannot be borrowed - they can only be used within the library. These will be indicated by a label on the item.

Electronic Resources and Databases

Community Membership

Unfortunately, our license agreements do not allow us to offer Community members remote access to our electronic resources and databases. However, there are a selection of databases available on a dedicated PC on campus through our Walk-In Service. Please note that use of this Walk-In Service requires advance booking.

Alumni Membership

We offer an additional service to RGU alumni members which allows them to remotely access full-text online journal articles and e-books from a limited number of online databases, for non-commercial study and research. This service is separate to the standard Alumni library membership, and you do not need to apply for standard membership to be able to apply for access to these online resources. Please see https://library.rgu.ac.uk/alumni-online-resources for more information.

---

Applying for membership

Applications should be made online. Complete the application form and upload supporting proof of ID at Community Membership Form. We'll let you know when your Library card is available for collection from the Library Welcome Desk after which you can borrow Library items. If you wish to continue membership at the end of the year just submit a new form for us to process the renewal and you can keep the same card.

We can also process applications in-person if you are unable to use the online form. Please bring your ID to the Library between 0900-1700 Monday-Friday. In-person applications cannot be processed during evening/weekend periods. Processing in-person applications depends on staff availability and we may be unable to complete your membership application whilst you wait.

Community Membership (including Alumni)

• As of 1st January 2024 all community memberships are free, for non-commercial use only.
• This includes: RGU alumni, senior citizens, practice teachers, occasional lecturers, retired RGU staff, and individuals on courses who would not normally have access to library facilities, RGU evening/weekend class students, NHS Grampian staff members, Robert Gordon's College staff and 6th year students.

To join as a community member, please complete and return the Community Membership Form. This lasts for a year, after which it can be renewed as often as needed.

SCONUL Membership

Students studying at other Universities in the UK may apply for free membership under the SCONUL access scheme. Please check your home institution's website for details on how to apply for the scheme. You must have an approval email before visiting RGU Library. SCONUL memberships can be processed 0900-1700 Monday-Friday.

On arrival at RGU Library please show your SCONUL approval email and your home institution student ID. You'll need to complete the above Community Membership Form after which you'll be able to access the Library and the borrowing privileges for Bands A-C. Band R students will be permitted reference and study access only.

Please note that SCONUL membership does not provide access to electronic resources such as databases and e-books, or to PCs and printing. There are a selection of databases available through our Walk-In Service. It is necessary to book to use this service. Students from other institutions should be able to log-into Eduroam using their home credentials for wifi access on their own devices.

If you would like more information, please email us.