Library services for international students

Useful links

If you have come from abroad to study at the University of Kent, the Library resources and services listed in this guide will help you get started and support your studies during your time here.

The student essentials page provides links to other key services that you will need.

 

Templeman Library

Like many other academic libraries in the UK, the three University of Kent libraries are mostly open access libraries: this means that you can go straight to the shelf to get the books you need. Some items are kept in 'stores' and have to be requested - the Library catalogue will indicate this.

The Templeman Library offers silent, quiet and social study areas (some with PCs), loan laptops and netbooks, video/DVD viewing facilities, and a café. Wireless access is available throughout the building for using your own laptop or compatible mobile device.

A vast range of online and physical resources are available in the Templeman Library and on the Library services website. Staff in the Library can help you make the most of them.

Finding your way around

International students have their own Library induction and we strongly recommend that you attend.

In addition, the Library induction offered by your academic school will introduce you to the best resources for your subject - this will appear on your timetable.

A 'How to find your way around the Library' guide is available from display areas in the Library. You can also take the onlineLibrary tour and view Library maps.

Getting started

Your KentOne card

You need your KentOne (student ID) card to borrow items and to enter the Library after 9pm. You should always carry it with you.

Email: keeping in touch

Check your Kent email account regularly for University announcements, course-related mail or Library reminders. YOu can access your email via a web browser or mobile device.

More resources

Pick up a 'Quick Start guide to IT and Library Services' to help you get started. An alphabetical list of all services is available online, plus a glossary which explains library words, names and phrases. See also:

Living and studying in the UK

Guides to living and studying in the UK can be found in the Quick Reference section on Level 2 Centre.

Prepare yourself for living and studying in the UK:

  • Prepare for Success: learning resource for international students studying in the UK
  • Education UK: British Council website on studying in the UK
  • Monetos - Guide to Europe: practical advice on living in the UK, including renting accomodation, visiting a doctor, and financial information

Keeping up with news

The Library subscribes to a large number of UK, European and US newspapers in a variety of formats. Many other international newspapers can be accessed online via the Nexis service. Links to online news sources from all over the world are also listed.

Film and TV

The Video/DVD Collection is located on Level 1 West, where viewing facilities are also available. All videos and DVDs are included in the Library catalogue.

The Library's foreign language videos and DVDs are usually in the original language. Many DVDs have subtitles in a range of languages. To find films and TV programmes in a specific language:

  1. go to the Library catalogue
  2. enter the language in the search box, eg 'chinese' and 'video' or 'DVD', then click Find.

In the search results, it is possible to filter the results by language under 'Refine your search'.

You can also access feature films, TV and radio programmes, video clips and stock footage online.

English language resources

Show all

Hide all

English language reference

Books on English usage, grammar, and other aspects of the language are shelved on Level 2 East and in the Quick Reference section on Level 2 Centre.

They have classmarks between PC 1072 and PC 1400. You can browse the shelves or search the catalogue for specific titles.

Dictionaries and reference services

Dictionaries are available in many languages and you can find them on the Library catalogue. Some are shelved in the Quick Reference section on Level 2 Centre. Most can be found with the material for specific languages..

Many dictionaries and other reference services can be accessed online. The following are especially useful:

A selection of useful links (including UK travel information, higher education sites, local services, and the Universal Currency ConverterTM) is also available.

Non-English language material

Books and print journals

The Library's holdings are mostly organized by subject, and items in other languages are shelved alongside material in English on the same subject. Find out how to navigate the Library's holdings by subject.

Help and training

International Students' Coordinator

Jane Alderson-Rice is the liaison librarian for international students. Her office is on Level 2 Centre, email J.Alderson-Rice@kent.ac.uk, telephone (01227 82) 7847.

She can help you with enquiries:

  • about English language resources
  • about resources for languages other than English
  • when you are not sure where else to go
Help and enquiry services

The IT & Library Support Desk on Level 2 Centre provides assistance with both library and IT related queries.

The Loan Desk on Level 1 West can assist with all queries related to borrowing, renewing and fines.

Roaming helpers are also available throughout the building to give help when needed: look out for staff wearing blue t-shirts.

All Information Services staff are here to help you and will be happy to answer your questions.

Training

Contacts

Support and contacts

Support on campus