RCN library services and archives

Interim service of UK library in London

Work is now underway to improve the RCN library in Cavendish Square and to turn it into a dynamic learning space for members and the public to socialise, research, study and celebrate nursing. Visit the Your Space webpage for more information.

So that we can complete the final stages of refurbishing what will become the new RCN Library and Heritage Centre, an interim library service is currently operating from the historic Council Room at RCN headquarters. This will offer access to all the usual library services, and will stock recent material. A reduced service of desktop PCs will also be available - please contact the library team for more information and to book. WiFi will still be available within the building. Due to the limited size of the temporary space, we ask that members do not bring children with them when they visit.

The temporary RCN library will be closing from Monday 3 June 2013.

On 5 August 2013 the new RCN UK library space will permanently re-open with access via a new entrance on Henrietta Place. It will feature:

  • hundreds of key nursing titles and journals
  • a seminar room where you can hold or attend nursing learning and development sessions
  • a relaxing cafe which is also open to the public – meet your friends for a coffee, or hold an informal meeting
  • laptops available to borrow while working in the Library & Heritage Centre
  • quiet study areas.

In autumn 2013 the Heritage Centre and exhibition space will open and will include:

  • nursing exhibition space with changing installations – our opening exhibition will trace the story of the skill of the nursing profession throughout the years 
  • Nursing History Collection – have a look at fascinating items from nursing’s past.

It is anticipated that the new library will be open to members by September 2013.

For alternative study spaces, please see a list of libraries in London (Word 25KB). It is strongly advised that you check access details with each library before visiting.

What's on offer?

  • Access to e-journals and e-books.
  • Loan of books, 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 a range of information databases for literature searching.
  • Free internet access.

RCN e-library

Available free to RCN members including:

  • More than 1,000 full text nursing and related journals.
  • All electronic and print journals are listed in a single A-Z list.
  • 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 and Social Policy and Practice.
  • RCN library catalogue: details of books held in RCN libraries, online renewals.

Library services

RCN UK library

Please see the information about the interim service above.

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.

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 headquarters, 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.