Library and learning services
Here is everything you need to know about Kingston University library services and how to contact the Information Centre team.

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Kingston University libraries: delivering 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 Rohne 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. We have scored a 90.2% satisfaction rating from students completing the National Student Survey question relating to Library resources and Library spaces (for both 2023 and 2024). This rating is 1.5% above the national average.
Information Centre and Library & Learning Support
- Staff at the Information Centre and specialist Library & Learning Services staff offer a variety of channels to support students with their needs.
- Specialist Library staff can help with key skills such as referencing and citation and finding and evaluating resources. This can be accessed via Library Canvas, live chat, or in person.
- Information Centre services staff operate at all Kingston University Libraries. The service is the University's single point of contact for library and student support.
- Details on how to contact the Information Centre team are listed at the bottom of this page.
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.
Using the Kingston University libraries
Kingston University library buildings are open for all our learners and the wider community.
Members of the public are welcome to visit our library buildings and use our cafes, 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.
Our library opening hours can be found at the bottom of this page.
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. These restrictions will take effect this year between 14 April and 01 June 2025.
Study space usage the rest of the academic year
At other times of the year (From 2 June 2025), 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.
Please note the purchasing and issuing of external Kingston University Library membership is suspended between 1 April and 1 June 2025.
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
Eligible members of staff and students from our partner institutions are issued with a username and password from Kingston University and are entitled to use a range of library resources and services.
To use library databases and e-resources, you need to sign in to iCat with your username and password. To borrow items from any of the four libraries, you will need your Kingston University ID card.
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.
- Individual and alumni library members can borrow four items from the library at a time.
- Items borrowed will automatically renew provided the item is not requested by another user or the account is not blocked by outstanding fines of £15 or more.
- Library members can log into iCat to check their account status online and place hold requests.
- Visitor WiFi is available for use on the library member's own laptop or portable device.
Please note: the purchasing and issuing of external Kingston University library membership is suspended between 1 April and 1 June 2025.
- 6 months – £25
- 12 months – £50
Please note: all prices are inclusive of VAT. Applicants can join the scheme in person in any of Kingston University's four libraries. Payment must be made before a library membership account can be created. We can only accept debit and credit card payments.
Non-Kingston Borough residents
- 6 months – £60
- 12 months – £120
Kingston Borough residents
- 6 months – £25
- 12 months – £50
Please note the purchasing and issuing of Individual membership is suspended between 1 April and 1 June 2025
All prices are inclusive of VAT. Applicants can join in person in any of Kingston University's four libraries. Payment must be made before a library membership account can be created. We only accept card payments.
- library members can use Kingston University Libraries during core opening hours but not during night opening
- all library members are required to comply with the 'Rules and Regulations for the use of Library Services' (part of University Regulations), a copy of which is available from the Information Centre based in each library
- the standard University rules for outstanding fines and overdue books apply
- members are reminded that the onus of obtaining copyright permission for reproduction purposes is with the member (the user) and not the library
- we do not offer any print or copy services to visitors or external library members
- we cannot offer access to computing facilities or e-resources for external library members
- membership only available to individuals over 18 years old
- information gathered as part of the membership application process will be used in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and the Kingston University Privacy Policy to administer your use of Library facilities. Data may be passed to other University departments where necessary as part of the management of our services
- entry after 9.00pm will only be granted to Kingston University students and staff carrying a valid ID card. All visitors are requested to leave our libraries by 9.00pm during night opening hours
- we regret that Kingston University dissertations and theses are kept on closed access and are only available to current Kingston University students and staff
Accessibility of Kingston University Libraries
All four of our libraries are wheelchair accessible with hearing loops and height adjustable tables available. Disabled parking is provided at each site with accessible toilets either inside or very close to the libraries.
Detailed information is available on AccessAble:
- Knights Park Library (Dame Esteve-Coll Centre)
- Kingston Hill Library (Nightingale Centre)
- Penrhyn Road Library (Town House)
- Roehampton Vale Library (Sir Sydney Camm Centre)
Additional support services
The libraries provide a variety of additional support options designed to improve access to services and facilities for students who have been assessed by the disability and mental health team.
Additional services include:
- Access Technology Rooms (ATR rooms) at each library site, which are equipped with:
- TextHelp Read & Write
- Inspiration - Mind-mapping software
- Jaws - screen reader and magnification
- Dragon Naturally Speaking
- scanners
- a CCTV Magnifier
- one-to-one library inductions and specialist support using library resources, provided by your subject librarian. Enrol on Library Canvas to find your librarian and discover library support tailored to your course
- support within the library, such as book fetching, extended loans, assistance with photocopying/scanning
- the ability to request unlocked digital versions of texts which can be used with accessibility software
Please contact [email protected] to speak to an advisor about your individual requirements.
If you have a personal evacuation plan, you should follow those guidelines during an emergency. If you do not have a personal evacuation plan and feel that you need one (for example, if you have a mobility difficulty or a hearing impairment), you should contact the disability and mental health team at [email protected] who will be able to advise you.
If you have mobility difficulties or impaired hearing, you are advised to inform the library staff on arrival so they are aware you are in the building in case of emergency evacuation. If you are hearing impaired, you are advised not to work alone on remote floors (at Penrhyn Road and Kingston Hill), as the emergency alarm system works only on an audible principle at the present time.
Lifts must not be used during an emergency or fire drill. If you are unable to use the stairs, please be aware of the designated refuge areas, which are typically located in stairwells.
Library rules
Read our library rules and regulations to get the most out of your visit.
Library opening hours
Library | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
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Kingston Hill |
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Building opening hours | 08:30–21:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
Information Centre help desk | 08:30–19:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
Knights Park |
|
|
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Building opening hours | 09:00–21:00 (9 to 13 June 2025)* 09:00–17:00 (16 June to 31 July 2025) | Closed | Closed |
Information Centre help desk | 09:00–17:00 | Closed | Closed |
Penrhyn Road |
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Building opening hours | 08:30–21:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
Information Centre help desk | 08:30–19:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
Roehampton Vale |
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|
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Building opening hours | 09:00–21:00 | Closed | Closed |
Information Centre help desk | 09:00–17:00 | Closed | Closed |
Live Chat |
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Online support hours | 08:30–19:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 10:00–17:00 |
*The Kingston School of Art Degree Show 2025 will run at the Knights Park Library building from 9 to 13 June.
Please note: when Information Centre help desks are not operational, a 'Study Only' service is provided. This includes help with any issues you might have whilst in the building, such as help with printing, noise feedback or help with borrowing items, but does not include 'Inter library loan' or ‘Desk loan' collection.
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.