Self Access: Frequently Asked Questions
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What are self access hours?
Self access hours are periods when the library is open and staff are not on site, it is accessible to those with a current library card who have completed the online or in-person induction on how to use the library during self access hours.
During self access hours, customers can continue to use library services to borrow/return books, study, and access free wifi and using public computers.
To view opening times and more information see the individual library pages:
What happens if there’s an incident during self access hours?
The induction will explain what to do if there is an incident in the library. Information signs are available for customers throughout the library, as well as free access to an emergency landline phone. Incidents should be reported using the form on the Catalogue PC available in each library.
I don't have a library card, can I use the library during self access hours?
You will need a current library card to use the library during self access hours. Please follow the following four steps
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Join: the library or check your library membership is up to date. You will need your PIN - click here to reset your PIN
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Agree: to the terms and conditions and fill out this form
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Access: the library at your convenience using your library card or My Library App and PIN, allowing up to 72 hours to receive your confirmation email
I have a library card, can I use the library during self access hours?
You will need to have your PIN (you can reset it here) and complete these three steps:
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Agree: to the terms and conditions and fill out this form
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Access: the library at your convenience using your library card or My Library App and PIN, allowing up to 72 hours to receive your confirmation email
I don't know my PIN for my library card, where do I find it?
Click here to reset your PIN. Your PIN will need to be six numerical digits.
How do I use the library during self access hours?
This will be covered during inductions. Watch the Self Access Induction video OR book an in-person induction at your local library.
Will I be safe during self access hours?
A comprehensive risk assessment, along with documented processes and procedures, has been completed in conjunction with our Health and Safety colleagues. All identified hazards have been mitigated against. Self access is also used successfully by our colleagues in neighbouring boroughs like Merton. Below are some important extracts of the risk assessment:
- Start of day building checks by security and staff
- Emergency phone available
- CCTV recording 24/7
- Library members using the library during self access must undergo an induction before they can use it
- End of day building checks
If I am in the library before it goes into self access, can I stay in the library as self access hours start?
Before the library is put into self access, usually at 5pm, all visitors must exit the building with their belongings. The self access system will initiate and take around 15 minutes to go live. After this period, library members who have completed the induction and agreed to the terms and conditions will be able to enter during self access hours.
Can I eat or drink during self access?
We encourage customers not to eat in libraries.
What is the minimum age in order to use self access?
Library members must be at least 18 years old to use self access. 16 to 17 year olds will be allowed access with parental consent.
Can multiple people enter the library under one library card?
Only one person may enter under one library card, unless it is a child accompanied by an adult. When you are using self access we ask you not allow others to enter the library with you.
I have a disability that stops me being able to use self access, can I still use the library?
Yes, libraries will continue to be staffed on specific days when library staff will be able to support you. During self access, only the ground floor is available which can be accessed by those with mobility access needs. Sutton Mencap’s review of the pilot in Wallington Library may assist some customers with using Self Access. Individual assessments can be conducted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your local library if you feel like you will require additional support to enable you to use the library during self access hours.
How will I know when staff are on site?
Please see our library pages to see when library staff are expected to be available and on site for each of Sutton’s libraries.
Can I contact library staff when the library is in Self Access?
You can contact the library service using the library public computer featuring the library catalogue. There is an online enquiry form library members will be able to complete. You can also email the library service at the following address: sutton.library@sutton.gov.uk