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Disturbance
This mailbox is monitored between 9am and 5pm. If you wish to report a disturbance after 5pm please speak to our security staff at the Drill Hall Library reception.
Library Services
Web site search
Virtual tour
What you need to know
Borrowing Books
You can borrow books from the Drill Hall Library at the self service machines located at either end of the book return.
These will stay on your library account and renew automatically on their due date (1 month from issue).
The only time you will need to return your book is if:
- another student has requested it (you will receive an email to your student account so keep an eye on this!)
- when you have finished using the book
- when you are no longer a student
You can also borrow or reserve items for collection at the Drill Hall Library from your own University Library, as well as access eResources.
Find out more from your University at the links below
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 and how to find useful information. 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 dhlhelp@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 links 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.
Bookable Spaces
Book a group study space for up to 6 people, ideal for 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 private Presentation Practice for up to 5 people.
- Our Group Pod is located in the Group Study Zone. On the far right.
Book a private space for up to 2 people, perfect for meetings and online calls.
- Pod for 2 is located on the ground floor. Alongside the Helpdesk in the Group Study Zone.
- Our 2 Single Pods for individual use are located in Quiet Study Zone just past the glass Book return
Book a space here
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 Study 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 Study 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 5pm.
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.
Postgraduate Room DC118
DC118 is located on the first floor. Accessible via the Group Study Zone staircase. This space provides a dedicated area for all Medway postgraduate students (both taught and research) to study and network.
If you are a Postgraduate student and would like to access this room, please ask a member of staff at reception.
The Chill Hall
DC019
Located at the end of the ground floor corridor adjacent to the Group Study Zone. This is a space for you to break away from your studies and reset.
Join in with puzzles and games or simply take some time out to relax and recharge.
Monday – Sunday, 9am – 7pm (5pm closing during holiday open hours)
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.
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.
Current membership schemes
- Alumni
- Clinical Access
- Public Access
- SCONUL Scheme
Submitting a Digital Signage Request
Did you know that University at Medway staff can request to publish digital signage content in the Drill Hall Library and Pilkington buildings.
Find out more here
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.
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.
