One of the most frequently asked questions we get from alumni is, ‘can I still use the library after I graduate?’
Well the answer is YES! We would love to see you on campus!
Please note that off-campus access to ebooks and electronic journals is not possible due to licensing restrictions.
How to use the library
Alumni are welcome to use the university libraries in person, just turn up during staffed hours and the library staff will be happy to help you.
If you join the library you will be able to gain access during unstaffed hours.
Library locations
If you are not living near to the campus you studied at, no problem! You are welcome to use any of our campus libraries.
Ambleside - The Barn, University of Cumbria, Rydal Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9BB
Carlisle Fusehill Street - University of Cumbria, Fusehill Street, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 2HH
Carlisle Brampton Road - Brampton Road campus, Brampton Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 9AY
Lancaster - University of Cumbria, Harold Bridges Library, Bowerham Road, Lancaster LA1 3JD
London - University of Cumbria, 58 East India Dock Road, London E14 6JE
Library opening times
Each campus library has different opening times depending on the time of year. It is best to check the current opening hours on our website here.
Register as a borrower
You can register to borrow books from the library and take them away to use at home.
To join costs £35 if you are an alumnus of the university or £50 for all other users.
Once registered you will receive a membership card. Your card is a swipe card so you will give you access to the library during unstaffed hours (check the times for this in the link above).
You will receive a password and library PIN with your new library account. This will enable you to use OneSearch and place requests for items. Please note this account does not give access to any ebooks or electronic journals.
What’s in each library?
The libraries at each of our campuses cover subjects relevant to the courses studied there:
Brampton Road has an amazing collection of art, design, craft, theatre, games design publications as well as journals and fashion magazines.
Ambleside has a range of books related to outdoor studies, environment and conservation, forestry, geography, and English literature.
Fusehill Street campus library has a particular emphasis on health, psychology, social work, education, zoology, biosciences, policing, criminology, security and law.
The diverse collection at Lancaster covers business, education, health and sport.
Our London library features resources from a range of subject areas, including education, business and health.
Can I access journals?
Access to off-campus electronic journals is not permitted due to licensing resptrictions.
Walk-in Access to Electronic Resources (WATER) – the Library provides visitors with walk-in access to e-resources (WATER) giving access to a number of our subscription electronic resources on our campus sites. Find out more here.
E-resources – the Library curates an open access web page to help guide alumni and independent researchers toward trusted, high quality, peer-reviewed scholarly content that is freely available online. Find out more here.
Refworks – alumni can continue to access the Library's referencing management system, Refworks. Find out more here.
Did you know?
- If you are studying for a course at another university you may be able to use the University of Cumbria libraries through the Sconul Access scheme, find out more here https://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access
- Your university email address is valid for around 1 year post completion of your course after which it is deleted. Do ensure that you save any useful information or contacts.
- Each library has quiet study spaces which you are welcome to use.
- Do ensure you remember your own laptop and wifi/hotspot access as the university computers and wifi require a student login.
- You will not have access to university printing, copying and scanning.
- To help keep our libraries inclusive, welcoming and considerate we have an etiquette guide here.
How to contact the library
If you have any questions do contact the library directly
Email: library@cumbria.ac.uk
Telephone: 01228 888888