Using the Kingston University library service

Library and Information Centre services

Kingston University library buildings are open for all our learners and the wider community.

To help manage building capacity throughout the academic year the following protocols apply:

12 June 2023 to 14 April 2024: designated study spaces (limited capacity) will be available to visitors. For more information, see our library services for visitors page.

15 April to Sunday 2 June 2024: as these are key academic weeks, only Kingston University students, staff or invited guests are allowed to use our study desks / study areas. Visitors are welcome to view our buildings and use our cafes but not to use study areas.

An Information Centre service operates at all Kingston University Libraries. The service is the University's single point of contact for student support. The friendly Information Centre team can help and give advice on pretty much anything, from library queries, course support, money and accommodation advice, to disability and mental health support as well as assistance with student funding and visa issues.

Where applicable they will refer students on to specialist support colleagues across the University. You can contact the team using the contact details on the left-hand side of this page.

Both Information Centre and specialist Library staff offer a variety of channels to support students with their studies or support needs. Students can click on the 'Chat now' box on iCat to access this support.

Students and staff can also log in to My Kingston to access a range of library services, including our extensive e-book and e-journal collections available through the iCat library catalogue. To learn more about the services we offer, you can enrol on the library module on Canvas.

iCat: online library catalogue

Kingston University's online library catalogue is called iCat. You can use it to access your library account to renew and request items.

Borrowing from the library

You can borrow items from the library using the self-service machines in the libraries. The number of items you can borrow depends on your membership.

Renewing items from library

Items can be renewed online via the iCat online library catalogue or in person at the self-service machines in the libraries.

Your library account

Your online library account allows you to see when your books are due back and when items you have requested are ready to collect.

Placing hold requests on library items

You can place hold requests on items that you cannot find on the shelf or are at other campuses or where all copies are out on loan.

Library fine rates

We send out a courtesy reminder by email one day before an item is due so that you have a chance to avoid paying fines on the item.

Facilities in our libraries

Only Kingston University staff and students can print, copy and scan using MFDs in our libraries. We also have study zones to suit the way you wish to study.

Library opening hours

Our libraries are open to fit around your study needs.

How to find our libraries

Each of our four campuses has a library.