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Disturbance
If you wish to report a disturbance between 5pm and 8am please talk to our security staff at the Drill Hall Library entrance.
Library Services
Web site search
Virtual tour
What you need to know
Borrowing Books
When you borrow books
Your library account will have a limit on the number of items you can borrow at the same time, this limit is set by your university.
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.
If you do not return a recalled book we will assume it has been lost and you will receive an invoice for the full cost of a replacement book. If you do locate the lost book after you have paid the invoice to replace the book it cannot be returned for a refund.
Please ensure you regularly check your library account. If you notice any issues, contact us as soon as possible by emailing dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk
Please visit your university website for more information.
Photography or filming in the library
The taking of photographs or filming is only permitted with the permission of the Library Manager or their designated representative. Before visiting the library with the intention to film or take photographs, you will need to make a request for permission.
Requests for permission should be submitted at least five working days in advance. While we welcome applications, we must consider the needs of our users to study in a quiet and undisturbed environment.
You may be required to complete an application form including a risk assessment in order for your request to be considered. This is an essential part of our record keeping and forms an integral part of our health and safety and duty of care requirements and our space management process.
For more information regarding our application process please email dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk.
Looking for a job?
Did you know that you can register with the University at Medway Partners Student Jobs Shops or Temp agencies for roles across all campuses. For more details, please click the links below:
Library tours
Library orientation tours for new students and staff.
Tours include, an overview of all library services, library orientation, how to find useful information and last around 30 minutes. Both drop in and bookable tours of the Drill Hall library are available twice a day at 10:00 and 15:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Drop in tours for smaller groups and individuals are available without pre-booking on the days and times stated above .
Bookable tours for larger groups of over 20 people.
Please email requests for bookable tours to dhl-help@medway.ac.uk with your preferred dates, times and number of participants.
Virtual self-guided tours and orientation for students and staff. Familiarise yourself with the library from the comfort of your home or office using the inks below.
- Virtual tour
- Virtual Orientation
- How to find a book
- Reserving Books
- Subject Librarian Support
- IT Support, Wi-Fi and printing
- Library Academic and Wellbeing Events
The Drill Hall Library has a rich History and staff are happy to conduct accompanied history tours for up to 20 visitors during quieter periods. Please email dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk to enquire about availability.
Archibald Hay Mess Café
Open during term time only, the Archibald Hay Mess is a popular café area set within the library building. As hot food is not permitted within the library space, please only consume any hot food within the cafe area.
Within the cafe space microwaves are available for heating your own food which again, can only be eaten in the cafe space.
When this facility is closed there are vending machines for snacks and drinks available.
Membership Schemes
New members, please check the details of each scheme using the link below before visiting.
During period of high demand on library services and study spaces, we reserve the right to suspend all new Public Access applications. The suspension of new applications for Public Access memberships comes into effect 1 March – 27 June 2025.
Current membership schemes
- Alumni
- Clinical Access
- Public Access
- Sconul Scheme
Medway Postgraduate Room DC118
DC118 is located on the first floor. Accessible via the Group zone staircase. This space provides a dedicated space for all Medway postgraduate students (both taught and research) to study and network.
If you are a Postgraduate student would like to access this room, please ask a member of staff at reception.
Accessibility
University Student Support Teams
Each of the Universities 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 without a university parking permit. Designated parking bays are to the left of the main entrance and you must display your blue badge on your dashboard.
Lifts
Lifts provide access to the mezzanine study levels and first floor study rooms. Please ask reception if you need access to A block teaching rooms.
Toilets
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 group zone has 8 accessible and height adjustable desks, 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 DC016
Our Family Study Room is located on the ground floor of the library in room DC016 and can be accessed from the Group Zone. This room allows students to carry on with their study whilst also supervising their children in the room. The maximum room capacity is 4 adults and up to 8 children and it closes at 5pm.
Parents with older children may also use the seating in the Group Zone.
Students must not use or share their university login to allow children onto any of the library’s PCs. The library is accessible to students with their children 7 days a week during our advertised open hours but they must vacate the library by 7pm.
Students and staff of the Universities at Medway bringing their young children into the library with them must book a space at this link and provide their confirmation email to staff when entering the library. Please ensure you comply with the Library Rules and Regulations and Terms of Use for the Family Study Room.
Book a Study Space DC017, DC117 and The Pod
Book a group study space for up to 6 people, ideal for presentation practice and group work.
- DC017 is located on the ground floor. Along the ground floor corridor opposite the Group Study Zone.
- DC117 is located on the first floor. Accessible via the Group Study Zone staircase.
Book a private study space for up to 2 people, perfect for meetings and online calls.
- The Pod is located on the ground floor. Alongside the Helpdesk in the Group Study Zone.
Book a study space here