SCONUL Access scheme launched on 1 August 2007

1 August, 2007

SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) announces the merger of the country's two largest access schemes SCONUL Research Extra and UK Libraries Plus to form a single scheme to be known as SCONUL Access, supported by the Research Information Network.

Launched in 2003, SCONUL Research Extra served the access needs of academic researchers, making their research work easier by allowing them to borrow books from any of the participating libraries. UK Libraries Plus has allowed taught postgraduates, part time and distance learning students to borrow from higher education libraries closer to home than their registered institution since 1998.

From 1 August 2007 SCONUL Research Extra and UK Libraries Plus will merge to form SCONUL Access. SCONUL Access will offer a wide range of students and researchers access to the resources of more than 170 higher education libraries via the simplicity of a single scheme.

Anne Bell, Chair of the Executive Board of SCONUL and University Librarian at the University of Warwick says: 'With in excess of 170 higher education library members in all parts of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland offering access to researchers and students, SCONUL Access represents a major step forwards in cooperation within the Higher Education Community. We would like to acknowledge the support of the Research Information Network for SCONUL Access.'

Continued take-up of the scheme will be monitored on an annual basis.

For further information, contact Elliot Frankal, SCONUL Communications Manager on 07989 524780 or elliot@linstockcommunications.com