RCN Library services and archives

The eRevolution 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 400 full text nursing and related journals
  • Reference access to a growing collection of electronic books on topics
    of interest to nursing staff
  • Information databases including British Nursing Index, Maternity &
    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.

RCN Northern Ireland Virginia Henderson Library

RCN members have access to a range of services including:

  • Core Journal and book collections
  • Access to the RCN's e-library
  • Access to the internet and a wide range of health databases
  • Literature searching and enquiry services.

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
  • Literature searching and enquiry services.