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Find Maughan Library

About

Entrance to the Maughan Library

Chancery Lane is a short walk from the Strand Campus.

The Maughan* Library is on the right-hand side as you walk up Chancery Lane from Fleet Street. 

In order to gain access, you will need your King’s ID card.

You will then find the Information point straight ahead as you enter.

Staff can be recognised by their purple lanyards or t-shirts.

Visitors are requested to inform Security and Library staff of their arrival.

*Maughan is pronounced 'Mawn' like 'Lawn'

Floor Plans

Library floor plans have been created to assist you find resources, services and facilities.

Collections

The collections at the Maughan Library supports the teaching and research interests of Humanities, Law and Science including:

  • Business studies
  • Classics
  • Computer science
  • English
  • Film studies
  • History
  • Law
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Theology & religious studies
  • War studies.

Opening hours:

The Maughan Library will be open 09.00-01.00 in the first semester, details can be found on the library opening hours page.

Important to know:

  • You just need your King’s ID card to enter the libraries.
  • All library areas are quiet zones except for designated silent and discuss zones. 
  • Food policy: cold food can be eaten in quiet and discuss zones (except for disruptive foods e.g. has a strong odour or noisy). Hot food is not permitted in any zone (except for the cafe on floor -1).
  • Lidded drinks are welcome in all zones.
Round Reading Room
Round Reading Room

Study Spaces

Spread across four floors and mezzanines, the library hosts a variety of study spaces, including Group Study rooms, Computer Rooms, Postgraduate Zones, Assistive Technology rooms and a Wellbeing Room. 

See the Getting Started: Self-guided Maughan Library tour to help learn about the library.

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Amenities

  • Rolls Cafe with microwaves (on the Floor -1)
  • 2 x Bike Sheds
  • Weston Room (Exhibition space on the Ground Floor)
  • Water Fountains

Non-Library Support

If you have general student queries you can find out information via Student Services Online. The nearest Student Services desk is short walk over in Bush House.

Alternatively, if you have any general IT queries (such as about printing, account support and accessing IT Services), pay a visit to the TechBar in the ground floor next to the library Information Point or contact the IT Service Desk.

Weston Room
Weston Room

History of the Building

It was formerly the home to the headquarters of the Public Record Office, known as the "strong-box of the Empire" and was acquired by the university in 1998.

Designed by Sir James Pennethorne and constructed in 1851, with further extensions made between 1868 and 1900, it is a Grade II listed building. Inside the library is a dodecagonal reading room, inspired by that of the British Museum, and a former medieval chapel, now an exhibition space showcasing the special collections of the library. The library was named in honour of Sir Deryck Maughan, an alumnus of the university.

Strand Campus map

Strand Campus map