Library and learning services

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.

• 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

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.