Alumni membership
Anyone who has graduated from, or worked at, the University of Sussex is welcome to apply for free Alumni Membership. Graduates returning for the next academic session to continue studying can retain their full loan allocation free of charge in the interim period by emailing library.membership@sussex.ac.uk.
Apply for alumni library membership join the sussex alumni network
Library services for Alumni members
- Accessing online resources remotely
We have many open access resources that are freely available online, from anywhere, without needing to visit our building. You can also access SAGE journals and JSTOR for free via the Sussex Alumni Network. However, due to licensing agreements, there are also online certain resources that can only be used in the Library from dedicated machines. See below for more detail.
- Accessing online resources in the Library
Alumni can use many of the Library's online resources within the building using dedicated visitor PCs.
What resources can be used?
We allow access wherever licensing agreements permit. See our list of Online Resources available for visitor access for more detail.
How do I use this service?
- Before visiting the Library, check that the electronic resource you wish to use is available within this scheme.
- Ask at the Service Desk about using our 'visitor access' service and complete a short declaration form - make sure you have your Library Membership card with you.
- A member of staff will accompany you to one of the visitor access PCs and log you in.
- You can send information/items to your own web-based email account. To email files to your own account, first save them to the Drive: C:\walkin-temp\ directory on the PC.
- Please let staff at the Service Desk know when you are leaving so that we can sign you out.
- Borrowing books
You will be able to borrow 10 books and 4 documents, request Sussex theses, and apply for paid interlibrary requests.
- Printing and IT
Unfortunately because of the system in place at the University, PC, photocopying and printing facilities can only be used by current Sussex staff and students with a Sussex ID.
You can make use of our free Wifi or access limited online resources from our two dedicated visitor PCs.
If you wish to scan items you can do this directly on your mobile phone. The University Educational Enhancement Team recommend the Camscanner app.
- Wifi
Alumni can connect to free Wi-fi on campus via 02.
- Refreshments
The Library Cafe serves drinks and food 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday during term time. Vending machines are also available nearby. We have a hot water tap and microwaves for you to use and extensive seating area where you can consume refreshments that you have brought with you. Drinks and cold food are allowed into the Library, but we kindly ask that hot food is not taken past the entry barriers into the Library itself. Please refer to the Library regulations for more information.
You can find other places to purchase food and drink by visiting our Where to eat pages.
- Collecting a Library Card
Once we receive your online application we will create a Library card for you which can be collected from the Library Service Desk during staffed hours. Library cards can take up to three working days to process so please wait until you receive an email stating that your card is ready to collect before making your journey.
Visiting the Library
- Accessibility
- There are steps at the main entrance to the Library, which may be unsuitable for some users. A step-free entrance is located at the north end of the building - follow the signs to IDS.
- The lift located at the rear of the building can be used to access all floors except the basement.
- There is also a lift providing access to the North Basement.
- The Library Service Desk has been fitted with desk top hearing induction loop and is accessible by wheelchair users. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on each floor.
- Information on support for Library services
- Information on any building works that may affect accessibility on campus.
- Finding library material
You can use Library Search to locate resources. Select a resource to check the availability and location of library stock. There are dedicated terminals to search for resources on the ground floor opposite the Library Service Desk.
If you have borrowing rights, you will be able to borrow items using the self-service machines or directly at the Library Service Desk.
- Library Service Desk
The Service Desk is located inside the Library, to the left of the entry and exit barriers. The Service Desk operates during staffed hours and staff at the desk will be happy to help, should you require any assistance.
Come to the desk with any general enquiry, or to collect new Library cards, interlibrary loans theses.
Self-issue machines are located opposite the Service Desk for book and document borrowing.