Maughan Library

Our last tour was of Maughan Library, the King's College humanities library on Chancery Lane. This academic library has over 1,000 reader places, over 330 computer places, and 750,000 volumes. It serves 11,000 students on the Strand, although any of the 20,000 King's College students may use their building or services. Its strong points are War Studies and Theology.

The Maughan librarians have gone rove. They lurk near entrance areas attempting to look friendly and offer help. Given the massive size of the library, I expect this is much appreciated. There will always be people who do not want to be helped, but it is good for both users and the profession for librarians to thwart stereotypes and aim for the ideal. The roving librarian is much discussed in school, yet this is the first time I have encountered an organized effort to make this a reality.

The staff room has a very nice librarianship collection that they keep up. The room has comfortable, multi-colored chairs. You can tell the staff is valued. The entire library makes good use of space.