How Libraries & Collections can support you this coming year

Your librarians and archivists are here to help you get the most out of the year ahead. Whether you're looking for academic support, a quiet place to study, creative downtime or help saving money on textbooks – we've got you covered.

Here’s a quick guide to what’s new, what’s available, and how to find support when you need it.

New teaching rooms at the Maughan Library

We have converted six rooms into central teaching classrooms with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and new furniture. The new classrooms are rooms LG.63, LG.69, G.63, 1.23, 1.63 and 2.23.  As some rooms were formerly desktop computer rooms, please check the PC free webpage to locate the nearest available PC.

You can also bring a laptop and use our plug and play screens or borrow one via our laptop loan scheme, allowing you to borrow a laptop and charger for up to 72 hours.

Updated book borrowing kiosks

All libraries now have upgraded, more efficient self-service kiosks. Based on your feedback, these now offer: 

• Paperless email receipts
• Clearer on-screen instructions
• Accessibility features like text-to-speech and height-adjustable terminals

Need help using one? Just ask a staff member at an information point.

Online tutorials, workshops & 1-1 help

Learn how to search for, access and evaluate academic resources with our online tutorials or sign up for a workshop. Need personalised help? Book a 1-1 appointment with a librarian, either online or in person.

New workshop: LIB270 – Critical Use of Generative AI

Curious about GenAI? Our new workshop, LIB270, explores the critical use of generative AI tools. Sessions run monthly (online and in-person) and are open to all students and staff. Book your place via our workshops page.

Archives & Special Collections support

If you’re working on a dissertation or just curious about rare books and documents, check out our KEATS modules:

• Using Archives in Your Studies 

• Using Special Collections in Your Studies

Available year-round, including over the holidays.

Study Clubs – launching Semester 1

Designed by students for students, our new Study Clubs use a “shut up and write” style format to help you stay focused. Sessions are informal, run by Libraries & Collections staff, and include light refreshments. Great if you’re easily distracted or want an accountability buddy. Register your interest here.

Before you buy course materials, check the library first.

Our collections (built since 1829) include:

• Core texts
• Academic databases
• Streaming videos and music
• Datasets and more

We aim to stock everything marked as 'CORE' on reading lists. If something’s missing, you can usually request it via Inter-Library Loan, — journal articles can often arrive within 24 hours.

Standard loans automatically renew (unless requested by someone else), but please return items when requested so that everyone can use them. 

We’re working to make our collections more inclusive and representative of the King’s community. If you have suggestions for titles that reflect global perspectives or address gaps in representation, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out how to suggest an item on our website.

Staff Picks and Libby

Check out our 'Staff Picks' recommendation displays across libraries or try the Libby app, which gives free access to popular fiction, audiobooks, and magazines – perfect for commuting or winding down. 

Wellbeing room at Franklin-Wilkins

Take a break in the Franklin-Wilkins Wellbeing Room to relax and recharge. KCLSU will be hosting regular Time Out Hubs here every Thursday during term time.

Creative and relaxing activities
We will be hosting Book Alchemy art workshops and other events to help you relax and be creative. See our events listing for details.

Green Libraries Week

The last week of October is Green Libraries Week, keep an eye out for posters and updates about the activities you can get involved in.