LibAnswers: Customer Services

Members of the public can join the Library through our Community Membership.

What is the Community Membership?

The Community Membership is a free library membership which offers access to The University of Manchester Main Library for one year. It can be renewed annually free of charge.

You have a loan quota of 4 books with this membership (excluding High Demand items). All books are subject to recall at any time.

E-resources can be viewed by using our External Users PC. Please speak to a member of the Library Experience Team at the front desk who can set this up for you. The resources can be accessed between 8am-8pm Monday- Friday and 9am-5pm at the weekend.

The membership does not offer IT Access and Printing. We encourage Community Members to bring their own devices and login to the ‘UoM Guest’ Wifi during their visit.

How do I apply?

To apply for the Community Membership, please visit the Main Library reception desk. You will need a form of photo ID with you (such as a driving license or passport).

You will then be asked to fill out a membership form, and we will take your picture that will be printed onto your Library Card. (Please note that this card is for your use only). You will need this card to access the Library (entrance will not be permitted without a card).

Membership applications can be processed at the following times:

• Monday- Friday 8am-7:45pm
• Saturday- Sunday 9am-4:45pm

How can I manage my Library loans?

To login to Library Search and manage your loans, you first need to set up an account to retrieve your username. (Please note that this account is purely for Library Search and does not allow IT, Wi-Fi or Printing Access).

To complete the username sign-up please visit the IT Account Manager.

• Click 'activate your account'
• Fill in the required details (surname, date of birth and library ID number which is the first seven digits on your library card). Then click 'search'
• This will bring up your details and ask you 'Is this you?' Please click 'yes' if it is. If it does not bring up the correct details, please contact a member of staff for assistance.
• Fill in the details and choose a password.
• Once complete, please read the terms and conditions and check the box to confirm that you agree to them.
• Finally click 'complete registration'.

With this account, you will be able to see which items you have on loan, renew items, reserve items and see if any items have been recalled (items can be recalled at any time and are usually due back within seven days).

What about Special Collections?

You do not need to have a Community Membership to view the Special Collections. Viewing the Special Collections is arranged separately and further details can be found here.