External and Open Access resources

SCONUL access

If you wish to visit another UK Higher Education library, please apply to join the national SCONUL Access scheme. To find out more and to join the scheme, visit the SCONUL Access page.

Please ensure that you complete the form accurately, entering your Library barcode number and your University email address. It is always advisable to contact host libraries before your visit to make sure that you are aware of their opening hours and their services.

Jisc Library Hub

Jisc Library Hub brings together the catalogues of major UK and Irish libraries. In a single search you can discover the holdings of the UK’s National Libraries (including the British Library), many university libraries, and specialist research libraries. Remember to search the  JISC Library Hub before your visit to other libraries to find out what resources are available. 

The British Library

The British Library in London is the national reference library of the United Kingdom and provides a vast range of resources and services to support your research. In addition to books and journals, it houses collections such as manuscripts, maps, newspapers, magazines, prints and drawings, music scores, patents, reports, conference papers, and a sound archive. You can become a member to consult resources in its reading rooms.

British Library's EThOS

EThOS is the UK’s national thesis service provided by the British Library. There are approximately 450,000 records and around 160,000 of these provide access to the full-text thesis.

Directory of Open Access Journals

DOAJ is a list of open access journals providing good quality, peer-reviewed open access articles.

Directory of Open Access Books

DOAB provides access to scholarly, peer-reviewed open access books and helps users to find trusted open access book publishers.

Directory of Open Access Repositories

OpenDOAR is an authoritative directory of academic open access repositories (archives of universities' own publications) around the world.

We do not normally stock print books on subjects not studied on Campus in our Campus library. Our ground floor shelves contain only a limited number of leisurely reading books.

However, in addition to being able to request print books from the University Library Services in Sunderland libraries, you can also visit local public libraries to borrow print books once you register with them. Registration is free and you can access their online resources as well once you become a member.

Discover your local public library at London Libraries | London’s public library service network.