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Library Services
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Library Orientation
Virtual Tour
Borrowing and Fines
When you borrow books
Your library account will have a limit on the number of items you can borrow at the same time.
The books you have borrowed will automatically renew on your account unless someone else places a reservation on them. If the book is reserved by another user you will receive a recall notice via email asking you to return the book by the due date shown on your account.
Please ensure you regularly check your library account and contact us as soon as possible if you notice any issues or wish to discuss or appeal library fines email dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk
If books are not returned by the date requested you may incur fines. We will only fine you if you:
- Do not return a book in time that someone has reserved
- Do not return a document delivery book by the final due date
- You lose or damage a book – you will be charged the replacement cost of the book
Books issued by the Drill Hall Library Fine rates are 30p per day for 4 week loan, 50p per day for 7 day loan up to a max of £10 per item. For details of charges on books from other libraries please visit the websites below
Fines and payments for lost or damaged books can be paid online. Please visit your university website:
Finding Books
LibrarySearch
Archibald Hay Mess Café
The Archibald Hay Mess is our popular café area. Here you can purchase hot and cold drinks as well as a selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks. There are also vending machines for when the café is unmanned.
The café is open Monday to Thursday 10am-8pm, Fridays 10am – 5pm
Membership Schemes
Entrance to External Access Scheme members has now resumed. New and existing members, please check the details of each scheme using the link below before visiting.
Medway Researchers Room
The Postgraduate researcher room (DC105) on the first floor of the library provides a dedicated space for all Medway postgraduate researchers in which to study, network, practice presentations or meet those with similar research interests.
With its combination of sofas, study tables, dual screen PCs and a collaborative IT enabled workspace it provides a flexible space to meet your study needs.
Opening hours are: Monday-Friday: 8am -7pm and Saturday-Sunday: 9am -5 pm.
Schools and Colleges Offer
The Drill Hall Library offers library tours and research skills training to Key Stage 5 (year 12, 13, or equivalent) students from Medway and Kent schools or colleges situated in a 15-mile radius from the Universities at Medway campus.
Led by our academic librarians, library visits can include a tour of the Drill Hall Library and collections, teaching on key research skills (how to find, evaluate, and reference information), and guided research using the libraries print resources. If you would prefer a research skills session to be delivered online, rather than in the library, this can also be arranged. We can accommodate groups of up to 20 school or college students in each visit.
Please note: We will be unable to accommodate this offer during universities exam study periods for the three universities we support.
For more details or to discuss your requirements, please email dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk
Accessibility
University Student Support Teams
Each of the University at Medway institutions has a student support team. To find out what they can do for you check their webpages.
Parking
Blue badge holders are automatically allowed access to the car park. Simply press the buzzer at the barrier and say that you are a blue badge holder visiting the Library. Designated parking bays are to the left of the main entrance.
Lifts
Lifts provide access to the mezzanine study levels and first floor. Please ask reception if you need access to A block teaching rooms.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located throughout the library.
Computers and Software
We provide a range of hardware and software to support access to our systems. For example the Library group zone has 8 wheelchair accessible and height adjustable desks with computers, one of which has a large format screen and keyboard. In software all of the Microsoft Ease of Access features have been checked.
Family Study Room
Family Study Study Room is located on the ground floor of the library and can be access from the Group Zone.
The maximum room capacity is 3 adults and up to 9 children.
Students and staff of the Universities at Medway bringing children (under 18 years of age) into the library with them must sign in at reception and ensure that they comply with the Library Rules and Regulations and Terms of Use for the Family Room.
Parents may also use the Group Zone, but must not use their university login to log children onto any of the library’s PCs.
The library is accessible with children 7 days a week.
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm and Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 5pm.
DA004 Bookable Study Room
This room provides an ideal space to practice your presentation skills.
The room can be booked during Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm in two hour time slots at our Reception desk in person or by emailing dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk or calling 01634 883878.
Occupancy is limited to 6 students at one time.