Why is the Maughan Library closed between 3 and 19 August?

Answer

(Page last updated 25 July 2024)

The Maughan Library will be closed for essential fire detection upgrade work. During this time, additional tasks such as redecoration and improvements in the Round Reading Room will also be carried out to avoid further disruptions later in the year. Due to scaffolding and crane operations, student access will be restricted. However, you can still access the Foyle Special Collections Library to see Special Collections items or reference only materials.

When will the Maughan Library be closed?

The library will be closed from 01.00 on Saturday, August 3 until 09.00 on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Alternative Arrangements

What alternative study spaces are available during the closure?

As well as all the other King’s libraries, there will be rooms on the Strand Campus available as extra study spaces daily from 08.00 to 22.00.

Saturday 3 - Sunday 11 August: Rooms S0.03, S0.12 and K0.18

Monday 12 – Sunday 18 August: Rooms S0.03, S0.12 and S0.13

Room S0.03 – Strand Building (Ground Floor - Capacity 30)
Room S0.12 – Strand Building (Ground Floor - Capacity 50)
Room K0.18 – King’s Building (Ground Floor - Capacity 43)
Room S0.13 – Strand Building (Ground Floor - Capacity 55)

Also, there are Informal Learning Spaces available:

Room K0.30 - King’s Building (Ground Floor - Capacity 40)
Room K0.58/60 - King’s Building (Ground Floor - Capacity 40)
Room K2.20 - King’s Building (Second Floor - Capacity 50)
Somerset room (K.2.22)- King’s Building (Second Floor - Capacity 60)
Upper floor in Chapters restaurant - King’s Building (Second Floor - Capacity 60)

More information (including floor plans) about alternative study spaces

For other study spaces at Kings visit self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01761/en-us

Please note: Alternative study spaces can only be accessed with a valid King's ID. They are not accessible to non-KCL students and staff. We recommend that non-KCL staff and students use one of our other libraries during staffed hours.

Are other libraries available?

Yes, all other King’s libraries will be open during the closure, including the Franklin-Wilkins Library at Waterloo, which is open 24/7 and only 10 mins walk from the Strand Building. Please see the opening hours webpage for more information.

Can I still borrow and return books?

Yes, a Click & Collect borrowing service will be available outside the Maughan Library between 09.30-18.30 Mon-Fri, and 10.30-17.30 Sat and Sun.

Only during the closure period, you can also choose to have your items transferred to another King's library site if you prefer not to collect them from the Maughan Library.

Books and loan laptops can also be returned during these times.

As long as you have borrowing rights (Valid King's ID, Alumni plus, SCONUL Band A, and/or Affiliated NHS Trust members with a borrowing account and card), you will be able to reserve items for pick up through the Click & Collect Service.

Please note: Reference Only pass holders (Independent Researchers, Alumni using King’s Connect) are not able to access physical resources from the Maughan Library during the closure period.

Will Special Collections be accessible during the closure?

Yes, the Foyle Special Collections Library will be open for normal opening hours, by appointment only. Monday to Friday, 10.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00. kcl.ac.uk/library/collections/special-collections

Are in-person 1-1 appointments with a librarian available during the Maughan Library closure?

In-person 1-1 appointments at the Maughan Library will not be available during the closure period. However, you can still book 1-1 appointments online or at another King’s library. To book, visit our Library Guides, select your subject, and choose the tab labelled ‘Library Workshops, Drop-Ins and 1-1s’. This service helps the King’s community navigate our collections, search online databases and journals, and build search strategies for literature reviews.

Will the bike sheds be accessible during the Maughan Library closure?

The bike sheds near the Maughan gardens will be inaccessible during the closure. However, you can still use the bike sheds accessible via Chancery Lane.

Can I access items in my locker at the Maughan Library?

No, the lockers at the Maughan Library won’t be accessible during the closure, please ensure that you remove any items you require before the 3 August.

Accessing Services

How do I use the Click & Collect service?

The Maughan library will operate a Click & Collect service under the arch at the Chancery Lane entrance during the two-week closure where you can collect the items (books or DVDs etc.) you have requested.

Please note: Reference Only pass holders (Independent Researchers, Alumni using King’s Connect) are not able to access physical resources from the Maughan Library during the closure period.

The Click & Collect service will be available:

Monday - Friday: 09.30 - 18.30
Saturday - Sunday: 10.30 - 17.30

Only during the closure period, you can also choose to have your items transferred to another King's library site if you prefer not to collect them from the Maughan Library. Simply select a different site during the request process. Please note that this will add at least two working days to the collection time to allow for the transfer.

To request an item:

Log into Library Search,
Search for the item (The item may already be available at another King’s Library)
On the full details page you will see a “request” option in the “Get It” section.
Click that link, choose the library site to collect it from
Click “Send Request”
You will receive an email to say when the item is ready to collect from the site you have requested.

Instructions on how to request an item with screenshots [PDF]

Can I borrow a short loan item?

Yes, the Maughan short loan items will be requestable to collect at any site.

From 1 August the return date will be set to be returned by 21 August (note these items won’t auto-renew and need to be returned to the Maughan Library rather than another library).

Can I view a reference-only item from the Maughan Library?

Yes, you can view reference-only items available at the Maughan Library (and not available at any other King's library or the Senate House library*). To request access, email library@kcl.ac.uk with the details of the item. Once it is retrieved, you will receive an email asking for the date and time you would like to view it. These items will be accessible in the Foyle Special Collections Reading Room at the Maughan Library.

Special Collections is open Monday to Friday, 10.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00. Please bring your King's ID card or another form of photographic ID to gain entry. For more information, visit Special Collections.

*As a King's student, you are eligible for free membership and access to Senate House Library.

Can I collect an Interlibrary Loan (ILL)?

Yes, you can still collect an interlibrary loan from the Maughan Library via the Click & Collect Information Point. This Information Point will be available under the Maughan entrance arch on Chancery Lane, 09.30-18.30 Mon-Fri, and 10.30-17.30 Sat and Sun.

What if my interlibrary loan (ILL) is ‘Reference Only’?

If your ILL item is designated ‘Reference Only’ for collection at the Maughan, it will need to be consulted in the Foyle Special Collections Library reading room based at the Maughan Library, accessible by appointment only.

If an ILL is received as ‘Reference Only’ during the closure period (and is for collection at the Maughan), you will receive an email notifying you of the Reference Only status and asking for the date and time you would like to view the item. Please respond to this email to confirm your appointment.

If you received notification of the availability of your Reference Only ILL before the closure period, please contact library@kcl.ac.uk with the following information to book your appointment:

Your full name
Title of interlibrary loan item
Your KCL email address
Date/time of visit (two working days’ notice required)

Alternatively, if you wish to change your pickup location and consult a Reference Only ILL at a different King’s Library, please contact library@kcl.ac.uk with the title of the item and your choice of King’s Library.

Can I borrow a laptop from the Maughan Library?

You won’t be able to borrow a laptop from the Maughan during the closure period. However, if you borrow a Maughan laptop from 1 August the return date will be set to be returned by 21 August. You can still borrow laptops from other libraries as normal.

How to I return items to the Maughan Library?

For standard or short-loan items

There will be a book box accessible near the Chancery Lane entrance gates. During the times of the Click & Collect service; 09.30-18.30 Mon-Fri, and 10.30-17.30 Sat and Sun.

For interlibrary loan items

Please give the item directly to a member of staff via the Click & Collect service.

For laptops

Please ensure you return any laptops borrowed from the Maughan Library directly to the Maughan Library. Laptops borrowed from the Maughan Library on the 1 or 2 August will not be due back during the closure period. However, if you would like to return one during this time, please give the item directly to a member of staff via the Click & Collect service.

For interlibrary loans

To return an Interlibrary Loan item, please give the item directly to a member of staff via the Click & Collect service.

I need to use a Blu-Ray player?

We have made three Blu-ray players available at Franklin-Wilkins Library during the closure period. These will be located the desks right outside the Postgraduate room on the second floor (near Computer Area E).

Are online resources affected?

No, you can access online resources as normal.

What should I do if I need help or have questions during the closure?

For any queries or assistance, you can contact the library staff online using LibChat or email.

Communication and Updates

How will I be informed about updates and any changes during the closure?

Updates will be shared through this FAQ webpage, social media platforms (X and Instagram), and the King’s App.

When will the library reopen?

The library will reopen at 09.00 on Monday, August 19, 2024. Announcements will be made on the website and social media.

Planning Ahead

What should I do to prepare for the closure?

Plan ahead for your study needs by borrowing necessary books and resources before the closure. Any short loan books or loan laptops borrowed on 1 or 2 August won’t be due back until 21 August. Make use of the alternative study spaces and services provided.

As the lockers at the Maughan Library won’t be accessible during the closure, please ensure that you remove any items before the 3 August.