All our collections except the Archives are searchable on Library Search – the library catalogue. To discover what is in the National Oceanographic Library you need to use the drop down menu in the library box and specify National Oceanographic Library. This will give details of the item and shelf mark. If you are specifically looking for a journal you will need to change the material type to periodical.
Visiting the library
You are welcome to come and access our collections but you will need to make an appointment in advance by telephone or email due to the security arrangements at the Dock Gate and in the National Oceanography Centre.
Please let us know the date and time of your visit and whether you require a visitor’s parking permit. When visiting please ensure you have proof of ID, which will include proof of ID from your institution if you are a visiting student.
Visiting the Archives
You are welcome to come and use material from the archives and special collections. You will need to book an appointment 24 hours in advance to visit the library and request material. Access to the Archive is not permitted; materials will be brought to you in the main library.
We are happy to help with any enquiries relating to our collections. Please email us, providing as much information about your enquiry as possible – the more we know, the easier it is for us to help.
Opening times
Visitor opening hours by appointment are Monday to Friday, 09:30–16:30.
Archives visiting hours are by appointment.
You may not visit the library or archives during evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays. Please contact the Library for further information.
Summary of available facilities
| Visitor category | Free use of NOL | Reference only | Borrowing privileges | Walk-in access (limited e-resources) | Photocopying * | Room bookings * | Archive reproduction * |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member of public – without links to an educational establishment | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| SCONUL – staff and students from institutions participating in the SCONUL access scheme | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Excluding B and R | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Under 18s with links to an educational establishment not in the SCONUL access scheme | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Alumni – anyone who has graduated from or worked at the University of Southampton | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Commercial organisations – businesses requiring Library membership * | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ |
* Charges apply
General public. If you wish to visit the library to use the collections you will need to make an appointment in advance by telephone or email. When visiting please ensure you have proof of ID.
Facilities
Library catalogue
Library Search is our catalogue and is available online for you to check the location of library materials and can be consulted in advance of a planned visit.
Print resources
Reference access to the print collection is free.
Electronic resources
Due to licence restrictions, only current members of the University have full access to electronic services, other than Library Search the Library catalogue. However, we can offer limited provision to some e-resources to walk-in users. Please contact the library to discuss your needs.
Photocopying
Self-service photocopying facilities are available. You can create a personal photocopying account and add credit to it by visiting our MyPrint page and following the instructions.
Room Bookings
The library has four bookable rooms with video-conferencing and smart boards available for hire. Please contact the library to receive an estimated cost.
Printing
There are no printing services available to visitors at the Library.
Power sockets for laptops
Most study desks have standard electric sockets and international plug adaptors for laptop use.
Wi-Fi
A wireless service is available, please contact the library in advance to ensure access during your visit.
Archive Reproduction
Archive material cannot be photocopied but you can request scanned copies, subject to the age and condition of the item. See Reprographic Services for a list of the types of copy available and charges.
SCONUL Access is a scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. The scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland.
If you wish to visit the library to use the collections you will need to make an appointment in advance by telephone or email. When visiting please ensure you have your SCONUL Access ID, if this is your first time visiting please have your institutional ID.
Please note that BAND R (full time undergraduates) are unable to borrow material under the SCONUL Access scheme.
Facilities
Library catalogue
Library Search is our catalogue and is available online for you to check the location of library materials and can be consulted in advance of a planned visit.
Print resources
Access to the print collection is free and you are entitled to borrow 10 items from our long loan and one week loan stock. Full time undergraduates are unable to borrow on the SCONUL scheme.
Electronic resources
Due to licence restrictions, only current members of the University have full access to electronic services, other than Library Search of the Library catalogue. However, we can offer limited provision to some e-resources to walk-in users. Please contact the library to discuss your needs.
Photocopying
Self-service photocopying facilities are available. You can create a personal photocopying account and add credit to it by visiting our MyPrint page and following the instructions.
Room bookings
The library has four bookable rooms with video-conferencing and smart boards available for hire. Please contact the library to receive an estimated cost.
Printing
There are no printing services available to visitors at the Library.
Power sockets for laptops
Most study desks have standard electric sockets and international plug adaptors for laptop use.
Wi-Fi
Eduroam can be used if the visitor is from another academic institution.
Archive Reproduction
Archive material cannot be photocopied but you can request scanned copies, subject to the age and condition of the item. See Reprographic Services for a list of the types of copy available and charges.
If you are under 18 you will need a letter from your teacher/tutor requesting your access to this library. Please send the original letter to the library and keep a copy to bring with you whenever you come to visit.
Due to the nature of our collections we expect all school children aged 15 or 16 (Year 11) to show a letter of support from their school explaining why they need to access our collections. All younger children must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times when visiting the library.
For extended project A-level students there is a brief guide to sources of information to help you with your academic studies available online. This guide lists resources which are freely available. You may access these before you visit the library so you can begin researching your subject while still at home.
Facilities
Library catalogue
Library Search is our catalogue and is available online for you to check the location of library materials and can be consulted in advance of a planned visit.
Print resources
Reference access to the print collection is free.
Electronic resources
E-resource access is not available for under 18s. Please be prepared to show proof of age if asked.
Photocopying
Self-service photocopying facilities are available. You can create a personal photocopying account and add credit to it by visiting our MyPrint page and following the instructions.
Room bookings
The library has four bookable rooms with video-conferencing and smart boards available for hire. Please contact the library to receive an estimated cost.
Printing
There are no printing services available to visitors at the Library.
Power sockets for laptops
Most study desks have standard electric sockets and international plug adaptors for laptop use.
Wi-Fi
A wireless service is available, please contact the library in advance to ensure access during your visit.
Archive Reproduction
Archive material cannot be photocopied but you can request scanned copies, subject to the age and condition of the item. See Reprographic Services for a list of the types of copy available and charges.
As a member of the University of Southampton Alumni Society, you have access to the services and facilities of the Library. Full details of what the University offers are available from the Alumni website including information on how to order your Alumni ID Card.
Facilities
Library catalogue
Library Search is our catalogue and is available online for you to check the location of library materials and can be consulted in advance of a planned visit.
Print resources
Access to the print collection is free and you are entitled to borrow ten items from our long loan and one week loan stock.
Electronic resources
Due to licence restrictions, only current members of the University have full access to electronic services, other than Library Search the Library catalogue. However, we can offer limited provision to some e-resources to walk-in users. Please contact the library to discuss your needs.
Photocopying
Self-service photocopying facilities are available. You can create a personal photocopying account and add credit to it by visiting our MyPrint page and following the instructions.
Room Bookings
The library has four bookable rooms with video-conferencing and smart boards available for hire. Please contact the library to receive an estimated cost.
Printing
There are no printing services available to visitors at the Library.
Power sockets for laptops
Most study desks have standard electric sockets and international plug adaptors for laptop use.
Wi-Fi
A wireless service is available, please contact the library in advance to ensure access during your visit.
Archive Reproduction
Archive material cannot be photocopied but you can request scanned copies, subject to the age and condition of the item. See Reprographic Services for a list of the types of copy available and charges.
Commercial organisations wishing to use the library will be required to pay a £30.00 + VAT daily charge. If you wish to visit the library to use the collections you will need to make an appointment in advance by telephone or email. When visiting please ensure you have proof of ID.
Facilities
Library catalogue
Library Search is our catalogue and is available online for you to check the location of library materials and can be consulted in advance of a planned visit.
Print resources
Reference access to the print collection is free.
Electronic resources
E-resource access is not available for commercial organisations.
Photocopying
Self-service photocopying facilities are not available.
Room Bookings
The library has four bookable rooms with video-conferencing and smart boards available for hire. Please contact the library to receive an estimated cost.
Printing
There are no printing services available to visitors at the Library.
Power sockets for laptops
Most study desks have standard electric sockets and international plug adaptors for laptop use.
Wi-Fi
A wireless service is available, please contact the library in advance to ensure access during your visit.
Archive Reproduction
Archive material cannot be photocopied but you can request scanned copies, subject to the age and condition of the item. See Reprographic Services for a list of the types of copy available and charges.