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Borrowing from the library

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

Please note, to help manage building capacity from Monday 24 April until Sunday 11 June 2023 – 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 use study areas.

From 1 August 2022 to 23 April 2023 & 12 June 2023 to 31 December 2023 – Designated study spaces (limited capacity) will be available to visitors. For more information, see our library services for visitors page.

Face coverings are a personal choice when in any library building.

As a reference-only visitor, you can access print resources, for example, books, journals and use study spaces in the library abiding by the library policies, agreements and regulations.

Students from schools and colleges are welcome but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, see our library services for visitors page.

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 to external library members.

Kingston University provides wireless internet access to visitors. For more details view our Information and Technology Services WiFi page.

How many items can I borrow?

  • Associate college students: the number of items you can borrow depends on our agreement with your college. Please contact your course administrator for further details.
  • SCONUL Access visitors who can borrow: if you have been issued with a SCONUL Access card by your home institution, this allows you to borrow four items. *Currently not available*.
  • If you have purchased membership:
    • Individuals and alumni can borrow four items at one time.
    • Corporate members can borrow up to 15 items on one company ticket at any one time or nominate four members of staff to borrow up to four items each on separate ID cards.
  • If you are a current student or member of staff: you may borrow up to 15 items at a time. Education students can borrow an additional 15 teaching resources. Music students can borrow an additional 10 scores. Further information can be found on My Kingston or StaffSpace.

How long can I borrow items for?

Most items are loaned for seven days or four weeks. Seven-day items have a red label above the shelf-mark.

Provided items have not been requested, the loan will automatically renew. We will email you if an item cannot be renewed and must be returned.

How do I borrow items?

You can borrow items using the self-service machines – you will need your ID card and your library PIN.

You can borrow items from any of the four libraries.

Where do I return items?

Most items can be returned at any of the libraries (not just the one where you borrowed the item from). Only desk loan items must be returned to the help desk in the library they were borrowed from.

You should return other items using the self-service machines in the libraries, or the 'book drop box' near the entrance to each library when the libraries are closed.

If you cannot come in to the University you can return items by post – please send postal returns by recorded delivery, but also be aware that you are responsible for the item until it is received by the library. Find the library addresses.

Contact details

Libraries

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