Help


General FAQs

What are your opening hours?
Opening times for the Drill Hall Library can be found here. These times are subject to change throughout the year, with extended hours at busy times and earlier closing during vacation periods. Be sure to check regularly.
What do I need to use the library?
All students who are based on the Medway Campus just need to bring their student ID to use the library. You must show this card every time you come in to the library or you will not be admitted. You will also need the card to borrow items. People who are not University of Medway students can also use the Drill Hall Library. If you are not a student based here at Medway check this information for external users to see what you would need to use the Drill Hall Library.
Can I eat and drink in the library?
While we are happy for you to bring in drinks in screw top bottles, we do ask that you don't bring in any food. There are several cafes and a shop nearby on campus should you need to take a break.
Can I do group work in the library?
We do allow group work in the green section of the library but ask that you show consideration for those studying nearby. We do have several bookable group study rooms too. Ask at reception to book.
Where can I find a quiet place to work?
We have set aside an entire area of the library for silent study. This is located at the far end of the Drill Hall and is called the Silent Zone.
Can I bind my work in the Drill Hall?
When your work is finished and ready for binding bring it to the counter and let us know how many pages you have. We will then be able to provide you with the correct sized binding sleeve. All sleeves cost £1.25. You will then be directed to the binding machine where you can bind your own work.
Where can I get help?
The main library counter is a good source of general library and IT help. This is always staffed during core hours. If you need a bit more in depth help with finding books or journal articles or with online resources, try the Enquiry Desk. To the left of the main counter you will find a librarian here between 9am and 5pm. There are also very often members of staff roaming in the library, just ask them if they can help.

Library FAQs

How do I find books?
Check the catalogue. The catalogue is online so you can check it from anywhere. The catalogue can be found here and help using it can be found here.
I've found a book I'd like on the catalogue and have the shelfmark, what next?
All books in the library have been given a shelfmark so that we know what order to put them in. The system we use is called the Dewey Decimal System and there is an explanation of this here. If you would like to know more check out this website.
Some books have For Reference Only on the spine. What does this mean?
This means that they are for use in the library only and you cannot take them home.
What are study loans and offprints, I cannot find them on the shelf?
Study loans and offprints are kept behind the counter, just come to the counter and let us know the shelfmark of the item you would like. Study loans are usually issued until 10am the next day. Offprints may not be removed from the library.
How many items can I borrow and how long can I keep them for?
You can borrow up to 16 items at a time. Ordinary loans can be borrowed for 4 weeks by all students. Short loans can be borrowed for 7 days by full time students and for 14 days by part time students. Short loans are identified by a sticker on the spine.
How do I borrow books?
You will need your ID card, take this and the items you would like to borrow to either the self service machines or the counter to be issued. If you do not have your card the items will not be issued.
How do I return books?
Again you can use the self service machines or bring them to the counter. You do not need to use your card for returns. If a book cannot be self returned for any reason place it in the drop box next to the machine.
Can I reserve a book if all copies are on loan?
Yes. If you have found a book on the catalogue and they are all out on loan just click 'reserve item' on the right of the screen and follow the instructions. Everyone who has a copy of the book will be send an email asking them to return it by the due date. They will also be unable to renew. When one is returned we will hold it for you for 1 week and send you an email to let you know it is here.
Can I reserve a book if it is on the shelf?
If you have looked on the catalogue outside the Drill Hall and found a book and are unable to come in right away you are able to reserve it. We should have a copy ready for you by the next day. We will email you when it is ready.
How do I collect a reservation?
Just bring your Student ID card to the counter and we will issue it for you. Don't forget that we will only hold books for 1 week.
My book has been recalled, what does this mean?
This means that another user has reserved the book that you have. You will receive an email to let you know and there will also be a note on 'My Account'. You can keep the book until it's due date but you will not be able to renew it. If you are finished with it though it would help if you could return it early.
Can I renew my books?
It is really easy to renew items, either come to the Drill Hall counter with your card, give us a call on 01634 88 3278 or renew online.
I was unable to renew online, why?
The book has probably been recalled, you will need to bring the book back before the due date to avoid a fine. If none of your books have been recalled then you should check your account to see if you have fines. All students with fines over £50 will have their account blocked and will therefore be unable to renew any items.
What happens if I do not return an item on time?
Any items returned after the due date will incur a fine:
  • 30p a day for Ordinary Loans
  • 50p a day for Short Loans
  • 50p an hour for Study Loans
Fines can mount up very quickly so be sure to return or renew all your loans on time. This is important because any students owing over £50 in fines will have their library account blocked and will therefore be unable to borrow or renew any items until the whole amount has been paid.
How do I pay my fines?
You can pay at the Drill Hall Counter by cash, cheque, credit or debit card. We regret that we cannot accept payments over the telephone.
I am sure I have returned an item but it is still showing on my account
Firstly check thoroughly to be sure that you do not have the item. If you returned the item via self service check and see if you still have the return receipt. Even if you cannot find a receipt come and talk to us at the counter or give us a call as soon as possible so that we can begin checking the shelves for the item. We will check the shelves 4 times for you before we declare the item lost.
What happens if I have lost a book?
Let us know right away and we will check the shelves for it and ask you to thoroughly check at home as well. If the item is not found we will sent you an invoice for the cost of replacement. You will receive a receipt on payment which will entitle you to a refund if the item turns up. Please note that if you are invoiced for an item you will not be allowed any more lines until the item is returned or paid for.
Can I keep books for longer over the holiday period?
No, the loan period is the same length as in term time. However, you can still take books out during the holiday as long as you remember to renew them. Please be aware that items can still be reserved by other borrowers during these times.

IT FAQs

Can I print my work, how much does it cost?
Please refer to your home institution for pricing information.
How do I pay for printing?
This differs slightly depending on which institution you are studying with.
  • University of Greenwich — You can buy credits from these machines near the entrance of the Drill Hall. Just type in your username and password and then enter your coins or notes
  • University of Kent — You can buy credits from the machine near the entrance of the Drill Hall. Just enter your username and then put in your coins or notes
  • Canterbury Christ Church — Come to the Drill Hall counter and let us know that you are a Christ Church student and tell us your username and how much you wish to add. You will also need to come to the counter if you would like to know how much credit you have left. Alternatively, view and top-up your printing account online at https://cccu.pcounterwebpay.com/.
Can I print posters?
Poster printing is available in 3 sizes, A0 = £3.20, A1 = £1.60 and A2 = £0.80. Poster printing can only be done at the counter so you will need to have the file saved on a memory stick. More information here.
Can I use my laptop in the Drill Hall?
Yes. There are plenty of desks with power sockets for use with laptops, please use these and not the sockets on the floor. You can also use the wireless network and use the internet, find out how here.
Do you have a laptop I can borrow?
Yes, there are 10 laptops available for students to borrow, just ask at the counter. Laptops are loaned for 4 hours at a time.
I need IT help where do I go?
If you are having difficulties or something does not seem to be working correctly come to the main desk, we are all able to deal with simple IT related enquiries and will be able to refer you to the correct person if we do not know the answer. If you simply feel like you need some training to use the IT facilities in the Drill Hall check to see if we have a session that would be useful to you.

E-Resource FAQs

What is a Subject Librarian?
Every school in the Universities at Medway is assigned its own Librarian who is responsible for liaising with the school and making sure that all the necessary materials are available. Your Subject Librarian can help you find resources if you are having trouble.
Is there a list of resources for my subject?
Have you seen our Subject Guides? These are a brilliant starting point when you are looking for resources. Just pick your subject from the list and you will find an explanation of the materials available to you and where to find them.
What are Online Journals?
Many journals are published both as printed copies and online copies which you can search for and view on the internet. At the Drill Hall Library we subscribe to a large number of these online journals. This is advantageous as it means that you do not have to come to the library to find an article and also you do not have to worry that someone else may be using the one that you need.
How do I access Online Journals?
  • Greenwich — Log in to the Portal. Click on the Library and IT tab and select Electronic databases, electronic journals and e-books in the e-library channel. You will then see and alphabetical list of databases and a brief description of the subjects covered by each database. Check out your subject guide if you unsure of which databases to try.
  • University of Kent — You will need to visit the Templeman Library webpages and select online resources and then online journals. You can then either search for the title of the journal that you are interested in or you can select indexing and abstracting services and search the databases using a keyword. For both options you will need to log in when prompted.
  • Canterbury Christ Church — Visit the Canterbury Christ Church library webpages, select e-library and then Search-it. You will then be prompted to log in and you can search for the articles of topics you are interested in. A helpsheet can be found here.
What are ebooks?
In the Drill Hall we have a number of electronic books (e-books). These are copies of a text which are available online. Very often the e-book is in addition to a hard copy which can be found in the library. E-books are useful because you can access them from home and you do not have to worry about someone else taking them out. You can access e-books by using the Myilibrary database.
I'm having trouble with e-resources, where can I get help?
If you are in the library try asking for help at the Enquiry Desk. There will be a Subject Librarian on hand between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. If you are at home you can email or phone your Subject Librarian. Some of the Subject Librarians also use Instant Messaging, check your Subject Guide to see if your Librarian is available.