Technical libraries that are open to all?

[TPMB12]

I was thinking about how great the university libraries were for books, journals and papers in technical subjects. I've long since left university but want to borrow books for personal development. Does anyone know of libraries that would allow guest use? Obviously local libraries are great but they stock for mainstream use. I'm looking at a minority requirement outside of academic institutions.

My local university isn't that great for the science / engineering subjects in interested in.

That makes me wonder if the British library has access to general public online. For an annual fee is OK. I just doubt I'll get access to borrowing books via my local library which would be convenient considering it's round the corner from me and opens late enough a few days a week for me to access.

Anyone got any suggestions?

[telstarbox]

As an example, I managed to access the Imperial College library as a non-student to look something up. Details here:

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/admin-services/library/use-the-library/membership-and-borrowing/visitors/

[TPMB12]

My partner works at local University and they have electronic access to their catalogue (not all of it but plenty). I was hoping there would be some other library with this service that's open for annual access by general public. If only they weren't mostly arts specialised with a few big science hitters in a select fields.

Basically I was hoping to get access to some of the types of books I used when at university to refresh my knowledge for career reasons. Moving back into the more technical side of things. I'm just very rusty on that.

So any ideas would be much appreciated.

[Flite]

Have you looked at some of the old established subscription libraries, like the Lit & Phil in Newcastle.  But I think you would need to visit the library to consult or borrow the books. Lit &  Phil have an on-line catalogue which I think is free to view.

[igauk]

If your partner works at a university your best bet is to for them to use their inter-library loan service to get the books you want. Or the Uni library may allow guest memebrship and you can use the ILL service (but check, not all guest accounts allow this). They might have the Article Reach service (great for journals) http://arlir.iii.com/ or the Secure Online Delivery service via OnDemand from the British Library.

[chrisbainbridge]

If you want books then google scholar has many books online. Also kindle allows you to buy and then return if the book is unsuitable.

Reference articles can now be found online through websites like Sci-hub.tw