South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 27/02/2014

Under the new partnership, library users aged 16 and over can use their library Active Card at four of UWE Bristol’s campus libraries (Bower Ashton, Frenchay, Glenside and St Matthias) during staffed hours, to access higher education resources. They will be able to borrow up to five items and will also have access to specialist print journals and support from university library staff. The project is currently targeting sixth form students who need to access high level learning resources for their studies.

In return all UWE Bristol students and staff can use their university ID card to access the wider community resources available from their local public library. UWE Bristol are targeting international students who live in South Gloucestershire as libraries present a great way for them to get to know their community.

Cllr Claire Young, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Communities Committee, said: “This is an excellent partnership between the council and UWE Bristol which brings mutual benefits to both parties, and will encourage everyone to make better use of their local library facilities. It gives sixth form students and local residents access to the university’s specialist learning materials and enables university students and staff to access their local public library and all of the community activities that take place there.”

Louise Davies, head of sixth form at Castle School in Thornbury, said: “We work closely with our students to develop their research skills, but they are often unable to access specialist journals and books. This scheme will allow them to use a much greater range of resources, providing invaluable preparation for higher education and the world of work.”

Geoff Cole, UWE Bristol’s community engagement and schools support librarian, said: “UWE Bristol students and staff can also access wider community resources by signing up to a South Gloucestershire or LibrariesWest public library with their staff or student ID card. The LibrariesWest area includes South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and Somerset. Both schemes are offered free of charge.”

The project is funded by the South Western Regional Library Service (SWRLS). For more information visit your local public library or any of the campus libraries at UWE Bristol during opening hours.