How Libraries & Collections can support you this year

A new term is just around the corner, and we, your librarians and archivists, would like to take this opportunity to invite you to explore everything we work hard to build and provide for you, our King’s community.

To explore what we offer, check out our LinkTree,. You can find it in the bios of all our social media accounts—just search for “King’s Libraries” on the platform of your choice. Our LinkTree gives you easy access to useful e-resources, including free streaming services and online subscriptions to the Financial Times, The Economist, and the London Review of Books. By taking advantage of these free resources, you can save money to spend elsewhere, like in the King’s Food canteens instead.

We also list all the events and opportunities we host that help you go beyond your reading list. These are a great way to reconnect with your studies and remind yourself why you chose your course in the first place.

This year, we’re excited to showcase our film collection through Film Club events. Join us to watch a film and engage in a thought-provoking discussion afterward. We’d love for you to bring your unique insights to these conversations. And don’t worry, the snacks and drinks will be provided by us.

If you want to learn more about how best to search for, access and evaluate academic resources then have a look at our online tutorials or sign up to attend one of our workshops. If you need further help finding material to use in your assignments and essays this year and want to talk with a librarian you can also book a 1-1 appointment with us either online or in-person.

We’ll also be launching new drop-ins online and in-person in October. No need to book, just turn up! Dates and times will be added to our subject Library Guides.

If you’re starting dissertation research and want to dive into our Archives or Special Collections (our rare and precious items), we’ve got you covered. Enrol in our KEATS modules—Using Archives in Your Studies and Using Special Collections in Your Studies —to get started. You don’t have to wait until you’re working on your dissertation; these modules are available anytime during your degree, even during vacations.

Keep an eye out for our Study Clubs launching in late 2024 or early 2025. These sessions will adopt a “shut up and write” approach to help you focus and make progress on your academic work.

Here is a tip you’ll want to remember (and share in your group chats):

Before you buy anything, check the library first.

We’ve been building our collections since 1829, and we’ve likely already purchased what you need. We collaborate with your lecturers every year to try and ensure that everything marked as "CORE" on your reading lists is available. Our collection includes books, databases, articles, DVDs, streaming videos, music, datasets, and more. Plus, we offer laptops you can borrow from us.

If we don’t have something, we can often get it for you via Inter-Library Loan, sometimes in as little as 24 hours. And don’t stress about overdue fines—our standard loan items auto-renew unless someone else needs them. Just be sure to return items when requested so that everyone can benefit from our shared resources.

Want to help make our libraries even better? Consider becoming a Library Champion You can participate in our user research projects throughout the year, and yes, you’ll get paid for your time. Past projects have included making our websites more accessible and brainstorming ways to improve the Maughan Library entrance area.

We know that keeping up with reading for pleasure can be tough while at university. That’s why we’ve introduced new Staff Picks displays at our libraries, featuring recommendations from our collections. We’ve also invested in Libby, a digital platform that offers access to the some of the latest popular fiction e-books and audiobooks. Whether you’re commuting, doing chores, or working out, Libby makes it easy to enjoy new fiction.

Those of you who have a public library card might be familiar with Libby, but for those who do not, when you first log in it will ask you to connect your King's ID card (that is the one you carry on your neck) through your usual KCL login and then you are good to go ahead and borrow whatever you want to enjoy.

Whilst we’re on the topic… if you don’t have a public library card yet, go get one. They’re free and offer some of the best equipped study spaces right where you live

We look forward to supporting you this academic year. Don’t hesitate to reach out or visit us to make the most of what King’s Libraries & Collections has to offer.