Library and learning services
Here is everything you need to know about Kingston University library services and how to contact the Information Centre Team.
Kingston University libraries deliver quality services to students, staff and visitors
Award-winning library buildings
Kingston University has a library on each of its four campuses, including one inside the award-winning Town House building (RIBA Stirling Prize and Mies van der Rohe best new building in Great Britain and Europe).
Our libraries have long opening hours, which include an overnight service during key teaching weeks.
Our libraries offer:
- A range of study spaces
- More than 1,800 open access PCs
- Internet access and WiFi for students, staff and visitors
- Printing and photocopying facilities
- Assistive technology rooms for students with additional study needs who are being supported by the University’s Disability Team
- Drop-ins with University specialist support teams
- Cafes at three of our libraries.
National Student Survey (NSS) rating
Kingston University is committed to providing high-quality services and resources to its students and staff. In 2026, we scored a 90.5% satisfaction rating from students completing the National Student Survey question relating to library resources and library spaces (up from our 90.3% satisfaction rating in 2025 and 90.2% satisfaction rating in 2023 and 2024).
Information Centre and Library & Learning Support
- The Information Centre is the University's first point-of-contact service based in library buildings (but accessible over multiple channels) for students to get the support and answers they need related to any student matter (including library) in a friendly and timely manner. In addition, the Information Centre Team oversees library spaces.
- Details on how to contact the Information Centre Team are listed at the bottom of this page.
- Specialist Library (Library and Learning Support) staff can help with key skills such as referencing and citation and finding and evaluating resources. This support can be accessed via a variety of channels, Library Canvas, live chat, or in person.
Library resources
Whenever possible we buy e-books rather than print, to enable students to access the texts when and where they need them.
- More than 290,000 books and 300,000 e-books.
- A wide range of databases to search for articles on specific subjects.
- More than 84,000 journals available online.
Library opening hours
Using Kingston University libraries
Members of the public are welcome to visit our library buildings and use our cafes. See our library opening hours.
However, to help manage capacity in our library buildings, we have certain restrictions regarding the use of our study spaces during key times of the year.
Study space usage at key times of the academic year
During select key times of the year only Kingston University staff and students, along with invited guests, are allowed to use study spaces in our library buildings. Visitors are still welcome to use our cafes and have a look around but are not allowed to use our study spaces. During these select key times we may also restrict the number of entrances used to access our library buildings.
Study space usage during the rest of the academic year
Outside these key dates, there will be limited availability of library study spaces to members of the public (over the age of 16). Capacity is as follows:
- Penrhyn Road (Town House) – 50 people
- Kingston Hill library – 25 people
- Knights Park and Roehampton Vale libraries – 5 people
These study spaces are in designated areas of the library and must be booked upon arrival on the day by speaking to a member of staff from either Kingston University Reception or Information Centre teams.
Information Centre
An Information Centre service operates at all Kingston University libraries. The service is the University's single point of contact for student support.
Both Information Centre and specialist library staff offer a variety of channels to support students with their studies or support needs.
Kingston students and staff can log in to My Kingston to access information about library services, including how to borrow books and use the library catalogue to access our extensive e-book and e-journal collections: iCat (Library Catalogue)
Details on how to contact the Information Centre team are listed at the bottom of this page.
Library and Learning Services Team
The Library and Learning Services Team at Kingston University supports students and staff in pursuing their learning, teaching and research ambitions. The team's focus is on the delivery of high-quality learning resources and services to students and staff (face-to-face and online). The team supports a wide range of information-driven activity, from skills support to innovative online learning experiences.
iCat: Kingston University's online library catalogue
Kingston University's online catalogue allows you to:
- search for both printed and electronic resources
- view the full text of electronic resources online
- access your library account to renew and request items
Kingston University students and staff should 'Sign in' to iCat with their Kingston University username and password, using the link at the top-right corner to access the extensive e-resources collection. Click on 'My Account' to view your library account and renew books.
Kingston University students and staff can log into My Kingston and Canvas to access more-detailed information about using the libraries and iCat.
External library members can search iCat but will have no access to Kingston University licensed e-resources.
Once you have joined, you can borrow items from the library using your membership card and PIN. You can log into iCat to check your library account – click the 'Sign In' link in the top-right corner and select 'SCONUL Access and other external members' and log in with your borrower number and password.
Library services for staff and students from partner institutions
Library services for SCONUL Access scheme members
Kingston University libraries participate in the SCONUL Access scheme. This means, if you are studying part time, via distance learning, on a work placement (six weeks or more) or are studying a postgraduate course, you may be eligible to make use of our libraries on a borrowing basis. You should apply online via the SCONUL Access website before visiting us.
Please note: your SCONUL Access expiry date is determined by your home institution and you will need to reapply online via the SCONUL Access website if your membership expires before the end of your course.
When your SCONUL Access application is approved by your home university, you will receive a confirmation email which you should either print or show when you come in to register with us. Once we have issued you with a library membership card, you will be able to borrow four items from any of our four site libraries and make use of other facilities, including:
- Placing requests on items that are out on loan.
- Automatic renewals, provided items are not reserved by another person (the standard Kingston University rules for outstanding fines and overdue books apply).
If you are a full-time undergraduate and would just like to use our library on a reference-only basis, you can also apply online via the SCONUL Access website.
External library membership
Kingston University alumni and members of the public can purchase membership of Kingston University libraries.
Accessibility of Kingston University Libraries
Library rules
Read our library rules and regulations to get the most out of your visit.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about using our library or Information Centre services, please contact the Information Centre on +44 (0)20 8417 6000 between 08:30 and 19:00 or send us an email.
Alternatively, you are welcome to speak to a member of staff at the Information Centre (at a help desk in each University library).
SignVideo Access is also available for BSL Users to communicate with us by phone.