The Christmas season is a time to relax and recharge, but I know that many of our student members will also be busy working on assignments, research, or preparing for the new term. While our library doors will be closed for the holidays, you’ll still have plenty of ways to access resources and support from the RCN Library, so you can keep learning while enjoying the festivities.

Access Our Digital Library 24/7

Even when the doors are closed, our online collections remain open. You can log in to our eBooks, eJournals and databases here: Search Books, Journals, Databases | Library | Royal College of Nursing, and look through our collections to find good quality and relevant information.

We also have a range of reading lists and subject guides curated by our librarians to introduce you to a variety of different topics.

ALL GUIDES Alphabetically - LibGuides at Royal College of Nursing

Subject Guides | Library | Royal College of Nursing

These provide an excellent starting point for your research and link through to different resources.

Video tutorials

While I might not be able to offer one to ones in real time, RCN Libraries have a wide range of videos on many different topics for you to watch: Library video tutorials |Library | Royal College of Nursing

Literature searching interactive guide

If you are undertaking a literature search, then this guide will talk you through the process at your own pace. How to undertake a literature search | Library | Royal College of Nursing

Study Skills support

We’ve curated a special reading list packed with resources to help you strengthen your study skills. From academic writing to reflective practice, these materials are designed to support you every step of the way.

Study skills - Study skills - LibGuides at Royal College of Nursing

You can also use Zotero for referencing: Referencing tools and training |Library | Royal College of Nursing

The RCN Wales Library will reopen on Friday 2nd January 2026. You can still email during the closure period to wales.library@rcn.org.uk and I will reply on my return. Or you can book appointments with me, online for the new year on the RCN Wales webpage: Contact | Cardiff | Royal College of Nursing.

Finally, some hints and tips for studying over the festive period.

Plan Ahead: Find quiet moments in your schedule to focus. If the house is noisy, try and find times that others are out or a quiet room away from it all.

Find your study space: A clutter-free, calm space can help you focus. Whether you’re at home or visiting family, find a spot where you can concentrate and feel comfortable.

Reward Yourself: Keep motivation high with little treats, tick something off your list and celebrate, whether it’s a handful of Quality Street or watching Home Alone for the hundredth time. You’ve earned it.

Don’t fear AI: There are lots of fantastic tools that can be used to make your research journey easier. Ethical use of AI can be a great way to maximise your time.

Stay Connected: Stay in touch with your classmates. Sharing ideas and talking through tricky topics can make studying feel less overwhelming. Explaining concepts to each other is one of the best ways to learn, and it helps make the return to campus after the break a little easier.

Make Learning Active: Don’t just read; summarise, make flashcards, or tackle practice questions. Engaging with the material will help you remember and understand it better.