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External Users

External membership of the Library is limited to individuals who have a specific higher level research requirement, a professional / regulatory advancement requirement to access the Library collections and use Library resources to assist with their research. Due to  terms of publisher/provider license agreements, off-campus access to electronic resources is only for current University of Galway students and staff.  Applicants are asked to provide detailed information on their area of research and the reason they require access to the Library.

Please see the table below to find out if you can apply to join the Library and view associated costs for borrowing

Type of VisitorAccessCost without Borrowing

Cost with Borrowing

University of Galway Alumni

Onsite only

Free

6 months - €30
12 months - €60

Individual Members
(over 16 only)

Onsite only

3 months - €30 
6 months - €60
12 months - €120

6 months - €90
12 months - €180

Open University

Onsite only

12 months - €60

12 months - €180

Corporate
(Self-Service access for 5 named personnel)

Onsite only

12 months - €300

12 months - €600

External members have access to:

  •  Over 500k books and 600+ current print journals
  • A large collection of over 50,000 e-journals and databases using two designated PCs within the Library
  • Individual study spaces
  • Document delivery of journal articles, books and other material from other libraries. Please note this service incurs an additional cost of €20 per item
  • Borrowing of material, currently set at 4 items for 2 weeks. Please note this service incurs an additional cost. depending on membership type

External members do not have access to:

  • E-journals and databases from off-campus, (external users are not permitted access from outside the library due to the terms of publisher/provider license agreements).
  • The Library Reading Room

How to apply

Fill out the‌ membership on the apply page. 

In order to submit your application you will need to fill the required fields (marked by a red asterix) and upload the relevant documentation where applicable, e.g.

  • Proof of Graduation from the University of Galway, e.g. copy of transcripts or parchment
  • For reciprocal access from other universities please see information on Using Other Libraries
  • Approval email from SCONUL if submitting a new application
  • ATU approval email from ATU Library
  • Proof of Identity when collecting your Library card

Once your application is approved you will receive an approval email, your Library card can be collected in person (proof of identity required) at the Library & IT Service Desk where payment can be made, please note there is no credit/debit card facility available. 

All users of the Library agree to adhere to the Library's Code of Conduct.  Replacement cards are at a cost of €5.  Processing and approving of applications can take up to two days to complete. 

Failure to complete all sections of the application form or provide insufficient information can delay the application process.  

 NOTE: During busy periods, such as coming up to exam times, access to the Library may be limited to only registered University of Galway students.