Library Services

Using other libraries

Many library catalogues are now available online, so you can see if it would be helpful to visit another institution. CCCU Library has joined several national and local schemes which together provide you with access to a wide selection of libraries. Some of the schemes give access for reference purposes only whilst others allow you to borrow material. Please check the information below to see which of the schemes you can use

Academic Staff and Research Students (MPhil, PhD)

  • The British Library
    Reference access
    The British Library welcomes anyone with a need to use their research collections. To use the London Reading Rooms, you must first apply for a Reader Pass. Check their website for further information..
  • Canterbury Circle of Libraries
    Reference and borrowing access
    The Canterbury Circle of Libraries has been set up as a co-operative group of academic and public libraries within Canterbury and the surrounding area.
  • InforM25
    Reference and borrowing access  
    InforM25 is funded by the M25 Consortium. The M25 Consortium has a membership of over 100 academic libraries that are based around the M25 motorway area. The borrowing scheme is for academic staff, research staff and MPhil/PhD students only.
    N.B. Please check individual library's ID requirements.
  • SCONUL Access
    Reference and borrowing access
    SCONUL Access is a co-operative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. It enables staff, research students, full time postgraduates, part-time students, learners at a distance and students on placement to borrow material from other libraries.
    N.B. SCONUL Access replaces UK Libraries Plus and SCONUL Research Extra.
  • University of Kent - Templeman Library
    Borrowing access
    Please note that borrowing access to the Templeman Library is only available via the SCONUL Access scheme, see above.
    Reference access
    All staff are eligible to use the Templeman Library for reference purposes.
    Please take identification that includes your name and address and register at the Library's reception desk on arrival.


Postgraduate Students (taught courses), Full-time Students on Placement and Part-time Students

  • The British Library
    Reference access
    The British Library welcomes anyone with a need to use their research collections. To use the London Reading Rooms, you must first apply for a Reader Pass. Check their website for further information..
  • Canterbury Circle of Libraries
    Reference and borrowing access
    The Canterbury Circle of Libraries has been set up as a co-operative group of academic and public libraries within Canterbury and the surrounding area.
  • SCONUL Access
    Reference and borrowing access
    SCONUL Access is a co-operative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. It enables staff, research students, full time postgraduates, part-time, distance learning and students on placement to borrow material from other libraries.
    N.B. SCONUL Access replaces UK Libraries Plus and SCONUL Research Extra.
  • University of Kent - Templeman Library
    Borrowing access
    Please note that borrowing access to the Templeman Library is only available via the SCONUL Access scheme, see above.
    Reference access
    All staff are eligible to use the Templeman Library for reference purposes.
    Please take identification that includes your name and address and register at the Library's reception desk on arrival.

Full-time Undergraduate Students

  • The British Library
    Reference access
    The British Library welcomes anyone with a need to use their research collections. To use the London Reading Rooms, you must first apply for a Reader Pass. Check their website for further information..
  • Canterbury Circle of Libraries
    Reference and borrowing access
    The Canterbury Circle of Libraries has been set up as a co-operative group of academic and public libraries within Canterbury and the surrounding area.
  • Invicta borrowing scheme
    Borrowing access
    The Invicta borrowing scheme is a collaborative scheme set up by the Drill Hall Library at Medway and the other Canterbury Christ Church University campus libraries. It was set up so that full-time undergraduate students registered at the other campuses (Broadstairs, Canterbury and Salomons) but living in the Medway towns can borrow items from the Drill Hall Library. To join the scheme click on the link above (in blue) to download and print off the form. Fill in the form and hand it in at your campus library.

Learners at a Distance

  • The British Library
    Reference access
    The British Library welcomes anyone with a need to use their research collections. To use the London Reading Rooms, you must first apply for a Reader Pass. Check their website for further information..
  • SCONUL Access
  • Reference and borrowing access
    SCONUL Access is a co-operative venture between most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland. It enables staff, research students, full time postgraduates, part-time students, learners at a distance and placement students to borrow material from other libraries.
    N.B. SCONUL Access replaces UK Libraries Plus and SCONUL Research Extra.