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Who can use the library
A guide to who can use the services and collections of the library and archives. Describes levels of access to information services, and current and historical collections depending on an individual's relationship with the College.
The library aims to serve the information needs of College members and staff, and to assist those who require information specific to its collections or directly relating to the role of the College. The level of access to collections and services available to any individual will depend on their relationship with the College and the nature of their request.
Please contact the library if you have any questions about using our services and collections. An appointment is necessary to use historical or archival material - please read our access to historical materials section.
College Diplomates
Subscribing members and fellows of the College, including Diplomates of the Faculty of Dental Surgery and Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), may make use of:
- Free access to current clinical resources and collections - no appointment needed
- Free access by advance appointment to historical collections
- Loans from stock, subject to lending policy
- Inter-library loans from other libraries at member rate
- Photocopy service for articles from stock at member rate
- Photocopy service for articles acquired from other libraries at member rate
- Access to protected electronic resources
- Literature search and information request services
- Image request service at member rate
To join the library you will need to fill out a library membership form. You can print out the form below, fill in the details (including signature and date), and bring to the library where you will receive your library membership card.
Alternatively, email the library a completed form in Word format and collect your card when you next visit the library. You will be required to sign and date the form on collection.
- Library membership form (Word format)
- Library membership form (PDF)
Please note: You be required to provide evidence of your affiliation with the College and photo ID (eg driving licence, passport). A valid email address is also requested as this will be our preferred method of contacting you.
Affiliates
Surgical trainees who are members of the College's Affiliate scheme may make use of:
- Free access to current clinical resources and collections - no appointment needed
- Free access by advance appointment to historical collections
- Loans from stock, subject to lending policy
- Photocopy service for articles from stock at member rate
- Access to protected electronic resources
- Literature search and information request services
- Image request service at member rate
To join the library you will need to fill out a library membership form. You can print out the form below, fill in the details (including signature and date), and bring to the library where you will receive your library membership card.
Alternatively, email the library a completed form in Word format and collect your card when you next visit the library. You will be required to sign and date the form on collection.
- Library membership form (Word format)
- Library membership form (PDF)
Please note: You be required to provide evidence of your affiliation with the College and photo ID (eg driving licence, passport). A valid email address is also requested as this will be our preferred method of contacting you.
Surgical and dental trainees
Surgical trainees not affiliated to the College and dental trainees may make use of the following if registered for College examinations (proof will be required):
- Free access to current clinical resources and collections - no appointment needed
- Free access by advance appointment to historical collections
- On-site access to electronic resources subject to licence conditions
- Loans from stock subject to lending policy
- Photocopy service for articles from stock at librarian's discretion, charged at non-member rate
- Information request service
- Image request service at non-member rate
Please note that an access charge in accordance with current library regulations will apply for those studying for non-College qualifications who wish to use current clinical resources and collections. Individuals in this category will not be eligible to borrow material. Access to historical collections is free of charge, by advance appointment.
To join the library you will need to fill out a library membership form. You can print out the form below, fill in the details (including signature and date), and bring to the library where you will receive your library membership card.
Alternatively, email the library a completed form in Word format and collect your card when you next visit the library. You will be required to sign and date the form on collection.
- Library membership form (Word format)
- Library membership form (PDF)
Please note: You be required to provide evidence of your affiliation with the College and photo ID (eg driving licence, passport). A valid email address is also requested as this will be our preferred method of contacting you.
Other medical professionals; Academic and postgraduate researchers; Not-for-profit organisation researchers
- Free access by advance appointment to historical collections
- Access to current clinical resources and collections by advance appointment and at librarian's discretion - charges may apply
- Photocopy service for articles from stock at librarian's discretion, charged at non-member rate
- Information request service
- Image request service at non-member rate
N.B. The library's current clinical collections are not normally available to non-medically qualified individuals.
Undergraduate students
- Free access by advance appointment to historical collections. A letter from a supervisor or tutor may be required.
- Free access to current clinical resources and collections for those writing a final dissertation, subject to supervisor's recommendation, and at librarian's discretion
N.B. The library's current clinical collections are not normally available to non-medically qualified individuals.
Genealogical researchers
Genealogists are able to make an appointment to visit the College library on Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm and make use of the print sources available. We ask you to contact us in advance so that we can warn you of any closures or disruptions, and because spaces are limited. If you are unable to visit us on a Wednesday, we can still provide a limited enquiry service.
Please see the family history page for further details on visiting the library, the enquiry service and genealogical research in general.
Commercial researchers
Those carrying out research for a commercial purpose (e.g. journalists/authors, film/television companies, picture researchers, employees of pharmaceutical companies or law firms undertaking research on behalf of their employers) may make use of:
- Access to collections by advance appointment at a charge in accordance with current library regulations and at librarian's discretion.
- Image request service at non-member rate
- The College library is not able to provide a photocopy service in cases where the copying is for a commercial purpose. Photocopies can be supplied, at a charge and subject to appropriate documentation, under the Parliamentary and judicial proceedings exemption (section 45) of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988 - please see our Ordering articles section for details.
N.B. The library's current clinical collections are not normally available to non-medically qualified individuals.
General public/patients
- Visitors to the Hunterian Museum who wish to view the library's historic Reading Room, designed by Sir Charles Barry, may do so free of charge when the library is open and provided it is not in use for a College function.
- Members of the public seeking surgical information are advised initially to see the College's Patient information section. The library can sometimes provide some College-related information through our information request service, but please be aware that we cannot recommend surgeons to patients, offer medical advice or carry out research on your behalf.
