Public Access to Libraries

In 2025, the University of Newcastle provided public access to our libraries, including books and publications, through free visits to public library spaces and free membership options for the community. Members of the public could consult available physical collections without being enrolled at the University, while registered borrowers could take eligible items home.

Free public access to library spaces and collections

The University’s Library Use Policy, effective from 3 December 2024 and in place throughout 2025, expressly includes visitors and the general public. It provides access to the public areas of University libraries and the books, journals and other materials available in those areas during opening hours. Visitors do not need to apply for membership simply to enter and consult these collections.

Library opening-hours information helps community members plan visits to facilities such as Auchmuty Library at Callaghan and Newcastle City Campus Library at NUspace. Community access to the Newcastle City library is available during NUspace public opening hours; after-hours areas and the Gosford and Sydney libraries are reserved for eligible staff and students.

Free community membership and borrowing

For visitors who wish to borrow materials, the University offers free library membership to community members, including TAFE users. Applicants complete a membership form and collect a library card once their application has been processed. Free membership is also available to alumni and eligible high-school students, with a parental consent form required for secondary-school applicants.

Registered community members can borrow up to 50 physical items for two weeks, with up to five renewals and ten hold requests, subject to collection and borrowing conditions. This extends the value of the University’s books and publications beyond on-site visits and supports independent learning and community research.

Digital publications and community research access

The University’s Library Search service helps visitors locate books, journals and publications. Selected electronic resources can also be consulted at designated community walk-in terminals during library opening hours, where publisher licence agreements permit. General public access does not extend to every subscription database or restricted electronic publication.

In June 2025, the University launched Open Research Newcastle, a free public repository of University research outputs. It provides an additional way for community members, industry and researchers to discover openly available journal articles, books, conference papers, higher-degree research theses and other scholarly publications without a library membership.

Regional history and special collections

The University also welcomes public research enquiries about materials held in Special Collections and Archives at Auchmuty Library. Rare books, archives and culturally significant regional collections can be consulted in a supervised reading room by appointment, normally arranged at least two working days in advance. In July 2025, the Library also opened the public exhibition Say Aahhhh: Health, Medicine and Everyday Care in Newcastle from 1945 to 2000, drawing on its local history collections.

By welcoming visitors into its libraries, offering free community borrowing and sharing research and regional collections, the University of Newcastle makes books, publications and knowledge more accessible beyond its enrolled student community. These opportunities support lifelong learning, independent research and public engagement with the region’s history and ideas.