External staff and students

Staff and students from other Higher Education Institutions that are members of the SCONUL Access scheme are welcome to join the Library at Walton Hall in order to borrow books, use study spaces, and connect to the wireless internet.

Staff and students at non-SCONUL Universities or other HE Institutions may use the Library at Walton Hall for reference and study purposes only.

SCONUL Access: information for students and staff from other universities

You need to ask your home institution for a SCONUL Access acceptance email before visiting the Open University Library if you wish to use these services.

• To obtain a free Open University library card you will also need proof of current SCONUL Access membership showing the expiry date and Band category allocated.
  No photograph is required. Your  Open University Library card will be prepared for you when you come into the Open University Library. You should register online for the Open University Account before you come into the library  
• Your current Sconul Access will be confirmed with your academic library before an OU Library card will be issued.
• Please note you should carry a copy of your Sconul access acceptance email and your institution ID card with you when visiting the Open University Library as you may be asked to produce these at any time.
• To check if your University is member of SCONUL Access use the SCONUL Access pages
• SCONUL Access membership can be requested online, or contact your University Library for guidance
   
• The Open University Library does not have computers available for use.

WiFi access

If your home institution provides Eduroam Wifi you will be able to use wifi in the Library at Walton Hall. You can check the Eduroam website to see if your institution provides this service. You must speak to your home institution's IT support before visiting the Library at Walton Hall as you may have to register or set up the service at your home institution before being able to use it elsewhere.

Alternative WiFi is provided by The Cloud.

Open University collections

In addition to books, journals and other research material, The Open University also holds the following collections:

The Open University Digital Archive (OUDA)
OUDA contains Open University study materials and items relating to the history of the University.

The Open University Archive
The Archive holds historical materials of the Open University and unique research collections. You will need to make an appointment with the University Archive team to view the collections.