Using other Libraries
If Goldsmiths doesn't have all the material you need for your research, there are other libraries that you can use for either reference or borrowing purposes.
Check the entry requirements for each library before you visit. Some libraries will allow you access with just your Goldsmiths ID card but for others you may need to apply for SCONUL Access.
Inter-Library Loans
You can request an inter-library loan of a book or a journal article by logging into your library account on Library Search. Choose Inter-Library Loan and then sign-in. Use the book or journal article templates to make your request.
Senate House Library
Senate House Library is the central library for the University of London. Goldsmiths students and staff are entitled to join. Membership entitles you to borrow books and to access electronic resources off-campus.
As Senate House subscribes to many electronic resources that we do not, it is recommended that you become a member.
Senate House Library's catalogue allows you to search by author, title, periodical, ISBN, etc. You can also log-in to renew books. Books should be returned to Senate House directly, not to Goldsmiths.
Sconul Access
SCONUL Access is a scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme.
To apply for access, visit this page and then complete the two steps asking which kind of student you are and your home institution. You will see all university libraries you are eligible to use. You can apply to use a specific library but you will actually have access to all libraries that participate in the scheme. Once you have applied, you will receive confirmation from us shortly after than your application has been successful. Print/Show this email to the library you then wish to visit. Reference or borrowing permissions will be provided depending on the level of student you are.
Art Libraries
Recommended art libraries and archives in London
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The RIBA Library - Royal Institute of British Architects
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Stuart Hall Library at Iniva - (International Institute of Visual Arts)
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University of the Arts libraries (part of SCONUL)
- The Whitechapel Gallery Archive
Other library catalogues
First, you will need to know which libraries hold the materials you are looking for. There are three main catalogues you can search.
| COPAC provides unified access to around ninety UK and Irish academic, national and specialist library catalogues. Search by author, title, ISBN, etc. to receive a list of results of libraries | |
| Search25 helps you discover library resources across London and the South-East. You can see where the libraries are and find out how to visit them. Search by author, title, ISBN, etc. | |
| Worldcat allows you to find what you want in a library near you. This searches internationally, although you can enter your postcode to reveal the closest libraries to you. |
Public Libraries
An underrated library service for academic research is actually your local public library. Most will have access to various electronic resources that might be of use, e.g. audio books. Registering with your local library is usually simple. Here is a list of library websites for local boroughs:
