Please tell us your views!
Disturbance
If you wish to report a disturbance between 5pm to 8am please talk to our security staff at the Drill Hall Library entrance.
Drill Hall Library will revert to Summer opening hours from Saturday 15 June 2024 to Sunday 22 September 2024.
Opening hours will be Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00.
Drill Hall Library will be open over the Easter weekend as follows:
Overnight study spaces available from Monday 15 April until Friday 31 May.
The Drill Hall closes its doors at midnight during term time but if you need to study a little later, we will be providing overnight study spaces in our C Block study rooms accessible through the side door, adjacent to the car park entrance. You will need to show your Student ID card upon entry to these rooms. No Student ID card, No Entry so ensure you always carry it with you whilst on campus and show it to staff members upon request .
This space will be for study only, there will be no access to the library or its resources, including access to vending machines, so please bring your own drinks and snacks. .
The Drill Hall C Block rooms will then be closed at 8am and students will be able to return to the library space that will open at 8am.
Please share your views of these spaces by completing our on line feedback form
Your Library team has been busy during the summer months making changes that will enhance your library experience.
We have:
1. Changed the food policy. You can now eat cold food or snacks anywhere in the library. Please note: to keep the library a clean and pleasant place to study you cannot bring in any hot or greasy food from fast food outlets or have food delivered to the building.
2. Added extra microwaves in the Archibald Hay Mess café for those of you who bring in your homemade food. Please note: any heated food can only be consumed in the café area, it must not be taken into the library space.
3. Added more soft seating in the café area.
4. Added bring your own device spaces in the Group Zone.
5. Moved the Library Helpdesk alongside the Reception desk so there will always be someone on hand to help or signpost you to the most suitable service.
6. Added laptop docking stations across all three zones.
7. Increased laptop loans from three days to seven.
8. Revamped the Family Study Space and moved it to room DC016.
Please let us know what you think of the changes or send us your ideas for further improvements to dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk.
We are now open every day until midnight.
Monday to Friday 08:00 to midnight
Saturday and Sunday 09:00 to midnight
All Drill Hall Library book loans originally due back from 22 December 2022 will be extended until 3 January 2023, unless the book has been recalled.
Reservations on books will take a little longer than usual due to the holidays.
To help support your study needs, the Drill Hall Library will be open over the Christmas holidays. Please check our opening hours below and the services available before travelling to campus.
Week commencing Monday 19 December 2022
• Monday 19 to Thursday 22 December: 09:00 to 21:00
• Friday 23 December: 09:00 to 17:00
• Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 December: CLOSED
Week commencing Monday 26 December 2022
We will be open with a limited service for the students and staff of the Universities at Medway and SCONUL members only.
• Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December Bank Holidays: CLOSED
• Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 December: 10:00 to 17:00
• Saturday 31 December and Sunday 1 January: CLOSED
Available services
• Study space and desktop PCs in the Group zone. The Quiet and Silent zones will be closed
• Laptop loans, book loans, printers, copiers and scanners
• The Helpdesk will be open from 10:00 to 17:00 for basic library support and a book fetching service from the closed zones
• Access to the Family room and Post Grad room will be available upon request only
• There will be no catering facilities on campus, but microwaves and vending machines will be available in the Archibald Hay Mess.
Week commencing Monday 2 January 2023
• Monday 2 January Bank Holiday: CLOSED
• Tuesday 3 to Friday 6 January: 08:00 to midnight normal services resumed
• Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 January: 09:00 to midnight
Enter a free photography competition to win great prizes!
To celebrate the World Mental Health Day, join this photo challenge hosted by Medway Campus Chaplaincy and the Drill Hall Library to share an image or moment that made you smile.
The competition is open for entries from all Medway Campus students and staff. The closing date has now been extended until 21 October at 17:00.
Find out more and how to enter here.
The Drill Hall Library will be open for the staff and students of the Universities at Medway and Sconul access members only.
There will no access to our other external access members on this day.
We will be operating a reduced service to allow staff and students to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon the day of Her State Funeral.
God Save the King.
From Monday 19th September to Sunday 2nd October we will be increasing our opening hours.
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 21:00
Weekends 10:30 – 17:00
From Monday 3rd October to Thursday 22nd December we will be open until midnight.
Monday to Friday 08:00 – Midnight
Weekends 09:00 – Midnight
Our Summer opening hours will start on Saturday 18th June, until Sunday 18th September.
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00.
Saturday and Sunday 10:30 to 17:00.
The Library will be closed on the following date
August Bank Holiday, Monday 29th August.
Undergraduate students and postgraduate students following taught courses at institutional members of SCONUL will normally be granted reference use of other SCONUL HE libraries free of charge during the summer vacations of the host institution. For further information, please visit the SCONUL website
Please treat all library users and staff with respect, and follow the code of conduct and zone rules.
Keep your voice low and phone on silent in Quiet and Silent Zones and let others study and prepare for their exams without being distracted by noise.
All the library study zones and access to the books and study spaces is back to normal and open as usual this weekend.
The essential works scheduled for this weekend were completed this morning earlier than expected.
Due to essential works being carried out on the library roof we will be closing the Quiet and Silent zones to all staff and students on Saturday 2nd April, this may also impact on Sunday 3rd April.
This is to ensure your safety and the safety of staff.
Whilst we endeavour to provide all library services, some, such as access to book stock and study spaces, will be affected.
We expect this work is due to be completed on Saturday 2nd April but could also impact on Sunday 3rd April.
How will this affect you?
• There will be no access to study spaces in the Quiet or Silent Zones
• No access to books stocks in those zones
• External Members – PC access is unavailable (Guest Wi-Fi is available on your own device)
What is available during the works?
• Study spaces, PCs and printing in the Group Zone only
• Laptop loans (same day loan until 9pm or 3-day loan)
• Helpdesk is open 10am – 4pm
• Library Café is open 10am – 5pm (vending machine after service hours)
• You can return books and check out pre-reserved items that are ready
for collection
• You can access e-books online via your university LibrarySearch
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding whilst we make major building improvements.
To support the revision and exam period, the Drill Hall Library will be open extended opening hours from Monday 14 March until Friday 17 June 2022.
The library will be open 24hrs five days a week i.e. opening from 8am on Mondays and closing at midnight on Fridays (including Bank Holidays). Weekend opening hours will remain 9am to midnight.
The Archibald Hay Mess cafe in the library will also have extended service hours from 2nd April:
Monday to Friday: 10am-8pm (incl Bank Holidays)
Weekends: 10am to 5pm
There are also vending machines available outside the cafe service hours.
During extended opening (from midnight to 8am) the library is only accessible for the Universities at Medway students and staff who hold a valid ID card. No Day Passes are permitted.
External membership holders are not permitted in the library after midnight.
Please treat all library users and staff with respect, and follow the code of conduct and zone rules.
Keep your voice low and phone on silent in Quiet and Silent Zones and let others study quietly too without being distracted by noise.
To support your study and revision leading up to the exams, we will be extending our opening hours from Monday 14 March until Friday 17 June 2022.
We will be opening from 8am Mondays and closing at midnight on Fridays. Weekends will remain 9am to midnight.
During extended opening the library is only accessible from midnight to 8am for University at Medway Students and staff who hold a valid ID card.
External membership holders are not permitted in the library after midnight.
From 18 June we will revert to our summer opening hours until the start of term in September – details will be shared near the time
Following the government announcement and updated guidance for universities from the Department for Education (DfE), face coverings are now mandatory inside the library building, unless you are exempt.
Please help us understand if you are exempt from wearing a face covering by displaying/wearing an exemption badge or lanyard. These can be obtained from your Student Centres.
You must bring a valid Universities at Medway student or staff identity card or a current External Access Scheme membership card to gain entry to the building.
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. This room has baby changing facilities is available Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm and 9am – 5pm weekends.
Visitors are not permitted into the library without prior approval of the Drill Hall Library Management Team.
Our Helpdesk is open 10am – 4pm each day and our Reception desk is open during all the advertised opening hours and is your main point of contact for any issues after 5pm
Drill Hall library opening hours over the Christmas period
Monday 20 December to Wednesday 22 December: 9am – 9pm
Thursday 23 December: 9am – 5pm
The Medway Campus will close at 5pm on 23 December and reopen at 8am on 4 January 2022.
Universities at Medway students and staff who may be on campus over the Christmas period will be able to use the library Group Zone for study, PC use, printing and scanning between 10am and 4pm on the following dates:
• Wednesday 29 December
• Thursday 30 December
• Friday 31 December
The library will be closed to all external access membership holders throughout this period.
The Quiet and Silent zones will be closed for this period. There will no catering facilities on site, but there will be access to vending machines and a microwave in the café area.
The library Helpdesk will be staffed on these days to allow us to offer the following services:
• Access to book stock – a fetch service will be available by requesting the item required at the Helpdesk for staff to retrieve for you
• Basic library and IT support
• Book loans and returns
The library will open again as normal from Tuesday 4 January.
All Medway book loans originally due back from 3rd December 2021 will be extended until 14th January 2022, unless the book has been recalled. This applies to all Medway Campus students and staff.
Any reservations placed between 3rd December and 4th January may take longer to process due to Christmas closures.
Drill Hall library opening hours over the Christmas period
Monday 20 December to Wednesday 22 December: 9am – 9pm
Thursday 23 December: 9am – 5pm
The Medway Campus will close at 5pm on 23 December and reopen at 8am on 4 January 2022.
Universities at Medway students and staff who may be on campus over the Christmas period will be able to use the library Group Zone for study, PC use, printing and scanning between 10am and 4pm on the following dates:
• Wednesday 29 December
• Thursday 30 December
• Friday 31 December
The library will be closed to all external access membership holders throughout this period.
The Quiet and Silent zones will be closed for this period. There will no catering facilities on site, but there will be access to vending machines and a microwave in the café area.
The library Helpdesk will be staffed on these days to allow us to offer the following services:
• Access to book stock – a fetch service will be available by requesting the item required at the Helpdesk for staff to retrieve for you
• Basic library and IT support
• Book loans and returns
The library will open again as normal from Tuesday 4 January.
Family friendly study room
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. This room is available Mon – Fri 8am – 7pm and 9am – 5pm weekends.
Need to borrow a laptop?
The Drill Hall library has a newly located laptop loans unit called LapSafe. It offers a selection of three-day loan laptops and same day loans that will work across all of Medway campus. The laptop will be added to your library account so don’t forget to return it to the Lapsafe in time.
DC015 Post Grad Researchers Room
This room provides a dedicated space for our Post Grad researchers. We will be reopening this facility from 8am on Monday 18 October 2021. Opening hours for the room will be 8am – 7pm Mon – Fri and 9am – 5pm at weekends.
DA004 Bookable Study room for presentation practice
This room provides an ideal space to practice your presentation skills. The room can be booked Mon – Fri 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. The room will be available from Monday 18th October.
Drill Hall Library in house and virtual support
Library in house Service Desks
Library Helpdesk will be available Mon – Sun: 10am – 4pm
Library Reception desk will be available during all opening hours
Online support for IT, academic support and general enquiries is also available: Mon – Sun 9am – 5pm by using the chat service icon on the library PCs.
If you prefer to email us: Please contact us on dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk and we will respond to your query within 24 working hours.
Let’s keep each other safe. We strongly encourage library users to wear a face covering whilst walking around the building and observe social distancing.
External Access membership. From Wednesday 1 September our Public Access, Alumni and Clinical Access Schemes are available again. All new and previous members will need to register for a membership. Please see our Membership schemes page for details of what you will need to register.
For SCONUL members, please visit the SCONUL website for updates on when this service will be available to you.
Opening hours. From Monday 13 September the Drill Hall Library will be increasing our opening hours for the new term.
Mon – Fri: 8am – Midnight
Weekends: 9am – Midnight
Drill Hall Library in house and virtual support
Library in house Service Desks
Library Helpdesk will be available Mon – Sun: 10am – 4pm
Library Reception desk will be available during all opening hours
Online support for IT, academic support and general enquiries is also available: Mon – Sun 9am – 5pm by using the chat service icon on the library PCs.
If you prefer to email us: Please contact us on dhlhelp@medway.ac.uk and we will respond to your query within 24 working hours.
We strongly encourage library users to wear a face covering and observe social distancing.
Please be considerate of others and help keep our communities safe.
The Covid-safe arrangements will remain in the Drill Hall Library from the 19th July as we are taking a measured approach to any changes in guidance.
Face coverings (unless exempt), social distancing, and the use of sanitizer will still be in place for all the library users.
This summer both the Quiet and Silent Zones will get a fresh new look! The zone will be revamped with a new layout and furniture for a better study experience.
The access to these zones will be sectioned off during July to allow work to take place.
Please rest assured that there will be usable study space in the Group Zone.
You will also be able to access any books you require by asking a member of staff as reception.
There will also be some book moves when the books belonging to the Computing, Sports and Exercise Sciences will move to the University of Kent Templeman Library in Canterbury. During the summer there will be periods when access to these books will be limited, but arrangements will be put in place should you require effected items. Please contact your liaison librarian if you have any questions or concerns.
Some of these works may cause some noise disruption in parts of the library so we apologise in advance.
If you have any questions please contact us at dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk
The Drill Hall Library will be moving to Summer opening hours from Monday 28 June 2021.
The library is currently open to the students and staff of the Universities at Medway only, providing distanced personal study spaces, browsing, borrowing and returning books using the self-service terminals, access to PCs and printing and scanning. There is no availability to book or access group study rooms or teaching rooms and we continue to encourage the use of MS Teams for group work.
Before you travel, please be aware of the following advice
Books on loan. If you are leaving us this summer please remember to return any books that you have on loan.
Reservations and Intersite loans are still available but due to restrictions they may take longer to process.
External membership holders. This service has been suspended until further notice. We will update our website with further details it is available again.
Drill Hall Library user support. We have moved to virtual support.
For general library enquiries or questions about your library account, email us on dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk . This service is available 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week.
IT enquiries will continue to be responded to remotely via dhl-ITsupport@gre.ac.uk. This service is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Librarian support. If you need specific support or wish to book a 1:1 virtual appointment email dhl-librarians@gre.ac.uk . This service is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Easter Weekend opening hours
Extending Library opening hours from Monday 12 April 2021. Following the Government guidelines regarding the plans to start lifting restrictions gradually over the coming months we will be extending our current weekday opening hours with effect from Monday 12 April 2021.
The library will be open to the students and staff of the Universities at Medway only, providing distanced personal study spaces, browsing, borrowing and returning books using the self-service terminals, access to PCs and printing and scanning. There will be no booking or access to group study rooms or teaching rooms and we continue to encourage the use of MS Teams for Group work.
All books loans had been extended until 29 March 2021 all loans will now auto renew in line with the loan period of the book. Book recall notices have been reactivated so you may receive email notifications to return books that have been reserved by another use.
Reservations and Intersite loans are still available but due to restrictions they may take longer to process.
Before you travel, please be aware of the following advice:
Drill Hall Library Virtual Support
Library & IT Service Desks in the library will remain closed at present but we are working towards being able to safely open these in the future.
For general library enquiries or questions about your library account, email us on dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk
IT enquiries will continue to be responded to remotely via dhl-ITsupport@gre.ac.uk
Librarian support If you need a specific support or book a 1:1 virtual appointment email dhl-librarians@gre.ac.uk
Following the recent Government announcement regarding the plans to start lifting restrictions gradually over the coming months we will be extending our current weekday opening hours with effect from Monday 8 March 2021.
The library will be open to the students and staff of the Universities at Medway only.
This includes distanced personal study spaces, browsing, borrowing and returning books using the self-service terminals, access to PCs and printing and scanning. There will be no booking or access to group study rooms or teaching rooms.
All books currently on loan have been extended to 29 March 2021, there is no need to come to campus to return books.
Reservations and Intersite loans are still available but due to restrictions they may take longer to process.
Before you travel, please be aware of the following advice:
1. You will be required to wear a face covering upon entering and at all times in the library (unless exempt)
2. Don’t forget to bring your University ID card. You will need it to enter the library and to borrow books or collect any reserved books.
3. You will be required to use the hand sanitisation station at the entrance before entering the library. Sanitising wipes are available for you to sanitise your study area before use.
4. Printing and scanning services are available with the exception of poster printing.
5. Laptop loans are not available.
6. As per Government advice, access and contact information of staff and users may be shared with NHS Test and Trace
7. Please bring your own refreshments as there will be no catering provision in the Drill Hall, but vending machines are available. No hot foods are permitted in the building.
Drill Hall Library Virtual Support
Library & IT Service Desks in the library will remain closed at present but we are working towards being able to safely open these in the future.
For general library enquiries or questions about your library account, email us on dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk
IT enquiries will continue to be responded to remotely via dhl-ITsupport@gre.ac.uk
Librarian support If you need a specific support or book a 1:1 virtual appointment email dhl-librarians@gre.ac.uk
All books currently on loan will be extended to 29th March 2021, there is no need to come to campus to return books.
Reservations and Intersite loans are still available but due to restrictions they may take longer to process.
Before you travel, please be aware of the following advice:
1. You will be required to wear a face covering upon entering and whilst in the library (unless exempt)
2. Don’t forget to bring your University ID card. You will need it to enter the library and to borrow books or collect any reserved books.
3. You will be required to use the hand sanitisation station at the entrance before entering the library and wipes will be available for you to wipe equipment before use.
4. Printing and scanning services will be available with the exception of poster printing.
5. Laptop loans will not be available.
6. As per Government advice, access and contact information of staff and users may be shared with NHS Test and Trace
7. Please bring your own refreshments as there will be no catering provision in the Drill Hall, but vending machines are available. No hot foods are permitted in the building but a room is set aside solely for purpose of eating of cold food and snacks.
Library & IT Service Desks in the library will remain closed at present but we are working towards being able to safely open these in the future.
For any general library enquiries or questions about your library account, email us on dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk
IT enquiries will continue to be responded to remotely via dhl-ITsupport@gre.ac.uk
Librarian support If you need a specific support or book a 1:1 virtual appointment email dhl-librarians@gre.ac.uk
Due to the announcement of a new National Lockdown and working with guidance from Government we have finalised our position on how we will operate our service.
From Monday 11 January, Drill Hall Library opening hours will be:
Mon – Fri 9am-7pm
Sat – Sun 9am – 5pm
The library will be offering students an essential usage service only. This includes distanced individual study spaces, browsing, borrowing and returning books using the self-service terminals, access PCs and printing and scanning. There will be no access to study rooms or teaching rooms.
All books currently on loan will be extended to the end of February 2021, there is no need to come to campus to return books.
Reservations and Intersite loans – Further details to follow on these services
Before you travel, please be aware of the following advice:
1. You will be required to wear a face covering whilst in the library (unless exempt)
2. Don’t forget to bring your University ID card. You will need it to enter the library and to borrow books or collect any reserved books.
3. You will be required to use the hand sanitisation station at the entrance before entering the library and wipes will be available for you to wipe equipment before use.
4. Printing and scanning services will be available with the exception of poster printing.
5. Laptop loans will not be available.
6. As per Government advice, access and contact information of staff and users may be shared with NHS Test and Trace
7. Please bring your own refreshments as there will be no catering provision in the Drill Hall but vending machines are available.
Library & IT Service Desks in the library will remain closed at present but we are working towards being able to safely open these in the future. For any general library enquiries or questions about your library account, email us on dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk.
IT enquiries will continue to be responded to remotely via dhl-ITsupport@gre.ac.uk
Librarian support If you need a specific support or book a 1:1 virtual appointment email dhl-librarians@gre.ac.uk
To help with your studies and revision, the Drill Hall Library will be open for students and staff of the Universities at Medway over the Christmas period on a self-service only basis. There will be a limited staff presence to ensure the building and study spaces are safe.
It is essential that you bring your ID card with you to access the building.
Remember – Hands, Face, Space – to keep yourself and others safe.
You must wear a face covering when you are in the library, even when seated, unless you are exempt.
Please use the library for independent study only and keep your distance from others.
Our opening hours will be:
Monday 14 to Tuesday 22 December: 9am-5pm
Wednesday 23 December: 10am-4pm
Thursday 24 to Monday 28 December: closed
Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 December: 10am -4pm
Friday 1 January: closed
Saturday 2 to Monday 4 January: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 5 January onwards: Mon to Fri 8am-9pm and weekends 9am-5pm
During the second lockdown, the Drill Hall Library will remain open to students and staff, for educational purposes.
Students must use the library for independent study and must not gather in groups.
Staff and students must maintain social distancing, wear a face covering, and adhere to the increased hygiene measures, such as hand washing and using your own surface wipes (or those provided) to clean the work area.
The Drill Hall library will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August but we will be open for the staff and students of the Universities at Medway from Tues – Fri, 9am – 5pm and you will now be able to freely access the book stock and use study spaces in each of the library zones.
Our Click and Collect service will cease from Friday 28th August you can still place reservations on books from the catalogue that are not currently available on our shelves.
From Monday the 7th September our opening hours will be Monday to Friday 8am – 9pm and 9am – 5pm at weekends
We have been working hard to ensure we have the maximum physically distanced study spaces available across each of the library zones with access PCs and printing and scanning. There will be no access to study rooms or teaching rooms.
Before you travel, please be aware of the following advice:
1. You will be required to wear a face covering whilst in the library (unless exempt)
2. Don’t forget to bring your University ID card. You will need it to enter the library and to borrow books or collect any reserved books.
3. You will be required to use the hand sanitisation station at the entrance before entering the library and wipes will be available for you to wipe equipment before use.
4. Printing and scanning services will be available with the exception of poster printing.
5. Laptop loans will not be available.
6. As per Government advice, access and contact information of staff and users may be shared with NHS Test and Trace
7. Please bring your own refreshments as our café is closed until 14th September.
Drill Hall Library Virtual Support
Library & IT Service Desks in the library will remain closed at present but we are working towards being able to safely open these in the future. For any general library enquiries or questions about your library account, email us on dhl-feedback@gre.ac.uk.
IT enquiries will continue to be responded to remotely via dhl-ITsupport@gre.ac.uk
Librarian support If you need a specific support or book a 1:1 virtual appointment email dhl-librarians@gre.ac.uk.
If you wish to report a disturbance between 5pm to 8am please talk to our security staff at the Drill Hall Library entrance.