Library services for part-time and distance learning students
Flexible access to services
You can access many Library and IT resources and services from home and outside normal working hours, making it easier to fit your studies around work and home commitments.
This guide highlights services that make flexible studying easier. The student essentials page provides links to other key services that you will need.
Studying on campus
Your KentOne card
Your KentOne card provides access to and borrowing rights for the Templeman Library and Tonbridge Library.
Car parking for students on campus
Canterbury campus
A student parking permit is available for £20 per year if you live outside an exclusion zone (disabled badge holders or those with special needs are exempt from the exclusion).
For more about Canterbury campus parking and to apply online:
click the Students link from this web page.
Tonbridge
Unfortunately there are no car parking facilities for students at the Centre. Local maps showing public pay and display parking are available from the Tonbridge Public Library or on the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council web pages.
Medway
Parking is for permit holders only.
For details, click the Medway link on this web page.
PCs and printing
Student PCs offer a range of software and self-service printing. PC availability includes late nights and weekends.
- PC locations at Canterbury and Medway
- Tonbridge students: student PCs are located in Tonbridge Library
Laptops and compatible mobile devices can connect wirelessly on campus to your university files, student printers and the internet (with security restrictions). You can also borrow wireless-ready laptops and netbooks for use within the Templeman Library.
Student PCs automatically print to the closest black and white printer. To find out how to use a different printer (including colour and colour OHP slides), print from your own PC, or view printer locations on campus, go to the printing pages.
Studying at home
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.
Access the Kent network
Most online services are available from off campus with no additional setup required.
Using a computer or laptop with internet access you can set up the Home VPN Service; this enables you to acess your files on the network, capus printers, and network-restricted resources.
Library catalogue
The University of Kent Library catalogue allows you to search for stock at the Templeman and Tonbridge Centre libraries and Canterbury Cathedral Library.
Books are provided in e-format whenever possible, so that you can access them online. Find the book you want in the catalogue, click link to e-book and log in with your Kent IT account details.
Log into your Library account to keep track of your loans and reservations, and to access saved searches and favourites.
To find items at the Drill Hall Library use the Universities at Medway Library catalogue.
E-resources
Library Services sunscribe to an extensive range of e-resources, including e-journals, e-books, databases, reference resources, and newspaper archives.
Always use the links on the Library website to access subscription-only resources. You will either be taken to a University of |Kent login screen or to a page where you may have to choose 'University of Kent' from a drop-down list before entering your Kent IT account details.
Templeman Library
Opening hours
Registered part-time students have the same borrowing rights as full time students. They also have access to the Part-time Collection.
Full information about borrowing, renewals, recalling items and Library fines is available on the borrowing pages.
Borrowing
As a registered part-time student you have the same borrowing rights as full-time students. In addition, you are entitled to use the Part-time Collection.
Part-time Collection
The Part-time Collection can be used by registered part-time students with a KentOne card. It is located on Level 1 West of the Templeman Library and contains books on part time course reading lists that can be borrowed for one or four weeks - the Library catalogue will show which applies.
Returning and renewing items
Fines are high to ensure items are returned or renewed promptly. You can renew most items online if they have not been recalled by another user.
Other libraries
Various schemes allowing reference access, borrowing rights or access to e-resources at other libraries are available. Some are summarised below - all services are listed online.
Requesting material
If an item is not held at the Templeman but is available at the Drill Hall or Tonbridge Library, you can request it through the inter-site loan service.
The document delivery service enables you to request items not held at any University of Kent library; the service is free to you if your school/department agrees to fund the request.
Visiting other libraries
- Higher education libraries: You can gain reference access to, and may also be entitled to borrow material from, any higher education library participating in the SCONUL access scheme.
- Drill Hall Library: Kent students living in the Medway area and studying at the Canterbury campus can access the Drill Hall Library with borrowing rights for up to five items via the Invicta Access Scheme. Pick up an application form from the Templeman Library.
- The British Library: you can visit the British Library for reference purposes; see the Reader Registration link at www.bl.uk.
- Kent County Council libraries: access Kent County Council Libraries’ online resources by joining any Kent public library and then logging in to the Kent County Council Libraries website.
Subject support and training
Your subject liaison librarian can help you find the best resources in your chosen field of study.
The librarians also produce subject guides highlighting the best resources and services for your subject.
Develop your IT skills, research skills, essay writing or study skills by attending a workshop or using online training materials.