Student library guide
Welcome to your RCN Library and Museum Services
As Europe’s largest nursing library, we offer more than just information. We're a hub of support, learning and wellbeing for our members, wherever you are.
Complementing your university library, we're here to support you every step of the way, from your first day as a student to registration and throughout your nursing career.
Seven ways the RCN libraries can support you:聽
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Access thousands of nursing ebooks, journals and key databases available online 24/7.
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Expert staff on hand to answer your questions through webchat, email or phone.
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An online programme of skill training sessions activities every month.
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A bank of to help you make the most of our library services.
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Brilliant individual and group study spaces to suit everyone. Find welcoming library spaces in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. We have free scanning and printing too.
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We know studying and placements can be tough. Our libraries have wellbeing spaces, free hot drinks, resources and events to help you find time for you.
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You can continue to access RCN library support and resources after you graduate.
Photo: RCN Wales Library in T欧 Maeth, Cardiff
Make the most of our training and support:
Our training events, one-to-ones and resources are designed to help you do well in your studies and future career.
We recommend our Introduction to RCN library services online training as a great way to get started with using the library.
Introduction to RCN library services
To get you started, join this quick online session. You'll learn how to access thousands of ebooks and journals, get study support and use tools for research and referencing.
View all of our upcoming trainings
Ace your studies with sessions on everything from literature searching to referencing, and critical appraisal to reflective writing.
Watch our online tutorials
We've developed quick training videos on topics like using CINAHL.
Student nurses tell us they love these library benefits:
Our 50+ subject guides

Our subject guides bring together key resources, books and journals related to nursing specialties. We produce them in collaboration with experts in the RCN forums. They're great for assignments.
Explore our subject guidesWe post books to you for free

We have thousands of ebooks, but if you prefer a hard copy or an ebook isn't available, we'll post our books to you for free. We'll even cover the return cost too.
Learn how to request postal loans"I use it most days for my studies, the online journals are so brilliant!"
Student Nurse, Yorkshire and the Humber
2025 Library and Museum Annual Survey
"Staff are always very helpful. I place requests online and books are posted within a matter of days."
Student Nurse, Wales
2025 Library and Museum Annual Survey
Discover resources for study and practice:
Your go-to journals:
Stay current with thousands of journals available through the RCN library. Our journals are perfect for exploring professional topics, keeping up with nursing issues and supporting your studies. Here are some of our top picks for you:
Quick, clear and trusted: the Royal Marsden Manual
A brilliant resource for students. The Royal Marsden Manual is easy to use and written by nurses, for nurses.
Whether you need to check a procedure quickly, watch a how-to video, or explore guidance on patient care and self-care, it鈥檚 all there.
You can access it anytime through the RCN library webpage. Watch Issy demonstrate how to find the manual.
Keep in touch and up to date

馃搂 Email us: rcn.library@rcn.org.uk
鈽庯笍 Phone us: 0345 337 3368
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(look out for the green button on all our pages)
馃摪 Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates
You can also find us on social media:
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