When you visit other libraries, contact them in advance or check their websites for opening times and what identification you need. You should also check their catalogues.
You may be able to request material from other libraries through our document delivery service.
SCONUL Access: visiting other academic libraries
The University of Kent is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme. This gives our students and staff borrowing rights or reference access at participating Higher Education libraries in the UK and Ireland.
To apply: visit the SCONUL Access website.
Who can apply
All Kent students and staff. You must have no outstanding charges or overdue books.
What access rights you'll have
The access and borrowing rights you'll get depend on your academic status. Not all SCONUL libraries offer borrowing rights.
Full-time undergraduates won't be able to borrow from other SCONUL libraries.
Once you've applied
- We'll process your application, usually within three working days. We'll check that you are registered at Kent and have no outstanding charges or problems.
- Once your application is approved we'll send you a confirmation email.
- Take a printed copy of the confirmation and your KentOne card to any SCONUL libraries you want to join.
If you're from another university
If you're from another uni and want to use the Templeman Library see SCONUL Access for academic visitors.
Other key libraries
These important libraries are within easy reach of Kent:
- The British Library: follow the Reader Registration link to find out how to apply for a reader pass (includes video guides)
- Canterbury Cathedral Library: as a Kent student or staff member you have access to the Cathedral's archives and printed books. You can search the Cathedral Library's holdings using LibrarySearch.
Kent public libraries
As a student or member of staff at the University of
Kent you are entitled to become a member of Kent public libraries and make use
of the physical and digital collections they provide.
This includes resources to read or listen to for pleasure as well as current affairs, consumer and business magazines, reference works and local archive collections.
To become a member you can join at any Kent library or online. You’ll be able to use the library spaces and physical collections, and access digital resources.
You can use the Libby app to read books, newspapers and magazines online, along with audiobooks to stream. These are free of charge via your public library membership.
Important library catalogues
- Library hub discover (replaces Copac and SUNCAT): enables you to search the catalogues of UK national, University and specialist libraries through a single interface
- Library of Congress (USA) and its Catalogues: the national library catalogue of the United States, which includes the largest rare book collection in North America and the world's largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music and sound recordings
- WorldCat: covers over 70,000 library catalogues worldwide
Help
Find out all the ways you can get in touch: