RCN Library services and archives

The e-revolution has transformed RCN library and information services. Whether you are at home, at work, or studying, you now have direct access to an exciting range of new and existing services. Use these state of the art services online or in person, by telephone, email, post or fax. Dedicated professional staff are available to help you.

What's on offer?

  • Loan of books and videos, in person or by post.
  • Photocopying for journal articles, in person or by post.
  • Literature searches undertaken on behalf of full RCN members.
  • Enquiry services, help and advice in finding information.
  • Information literacy training sessions.
  • Access to electronic journals and e-books.
  • Access to a range of information databases for literature searching.
  • Free internet use in our libraries.

RCN E-Library

Available free to RCN members including:

  • Over 700 full text nursing and related journals.
  • All the online journals will be listed in a single A-Z making it easier to find a full text article.
  • Reference access to a growing collection of electronic books on topics of interest to nursing staff.
  • Information databases including British Nursing Index, Cinahl, Medline, Maternity and Infant Care, ChildData and Agelnfo.
  • RCN library catalogue: details of books and videos held in RCN libraries, online renewals.

Library services

RCN UK Library

The UK library, based in the heart of London, is one of the biggest specialist nursing libraries in the world. We offer:

  • access to the internet and a wide range of health databases
  • access to the RCN's e-library
  • core journal and book collections
  • literature searching and enquiry services
  • use of a group discussion room.

Use of the Group Discussion Room

The RCN Library has a room available for members who would like space to conduct a group discussion or work on a group project.

If you would like to use this room, you can either:

  • Book it in advance for a specific time. You can book the room with staff at the Help Point on the lower ground floor, by phone 0345 337 3368  (calls charged at local rate), by email: service.delivery@rcn.org.uk  or via the Virtual Enquiry service available from 11.00am - 5.00pm (Monday to Saturday). The room can be booked for a maximum of two hours.
  • Just turn up. As long as no one else has pre-booked, you are welcome to use the room without booking. Please ask staff at the Help Point, who will check its availability for you.

The room is suitable for up to eight people and has three computers. If you have any queries about the room, please ask library staff.

RCN Northern Ireland Library and Information Zone

The Library and Information Zone is based in RCN Northern Ireland Board Headquarters at 17 Windsor Avenue, Belfast.
We provide a professional service to our members, in a completely refurbished, purpose built library.

We offer: 

  • completely refurbished library
  • 5,000 core text books and 100 journals
  • free internet access
  • full access to online resources
  • one to one help in accessing information
  • free literature search service for registered nurses and health care assistants
  • recreation area with coffee, tea and papers available.

For more information see: RCN Northern Ireland Library and Information Zone. 

RCN Scotland Learning Hub

The learning hub is based in the RCN Scotland headquarters at 42 South Oswald Road, Edinburgh. It was completely refurbished in 2006 to become the attractive work and social area it is today.

As well as having access to the RCN and NHS Scotland E-libraries, the learning hub has a collection of core nursing journals. Our small but up-to-date nursing book collection is also very popular.

RCN members can come to:

  • Discuss their information needs with skilled librarians
  • Chat over a coffee
  • Borrow books
  • Use the internet
  • Study in our quiet area.

For more information see: Scotland Learning Hub.

RCN Wales Library

Is based at RCN HQ, Ty Maeth, Cardiff.  Services provided include:

  • Core journal and book collections
  • Access to the Internet and a wide range of health databases
  • Access to the RCN's and NHS Wales' E-libraries
  • Full access to online resources
  • One to one help in accessing information
  • Free literature search service for registered nurses and health care assistants.

For more information see: Wales library and information services.