Your hub for research, reading, and academic integrity
Providing high-quality academic resources and services for your success.
Search the library
Today at the library
Ask a librarian
Librarians are ready to help with academic research, finding and using library materials, and any other library-related questions.
Borrow and renew
Students borrow 4 books for 2 weeks and can renew once. Check loans, renew and place holds from your library account.
Start here
How can we help you?
- UndergraduatesAssignment helpFind books and articles, cite in APA 7th, and check your work for plagiarism.Explore
- Postgraduates & researchersResearch supportEvery subscribed e-book and e-journal database, A–Z, for your literature review.Explore
- LecturersTeaching supportSubject guides with the best databases for each school, ready to share with your classes.Explore
- EveryoneFree to readOpen access journals, books and portals such as DOAJ, CORE and BASE, no login needed.Explore
New to the library?
Welcome to the Riara University Library
Watch the tour, then use this checklist to get started.
Your first week
Find books. Search the catalogue (OPAC) and borrow up to 4 books for 2 weeks.
Read online. Open subscribed e-books and e-journals on campus or from home through MyLOFT.
Get help. Ask at the circulation desk, or join an orientation session for new students.
Featured collection
Riara University Digital Repository
In-house content uploaded to the University digital repository, including past examination papers and staff publications.
Explore the repository(opens in new tab)Browse collections
- 2,130Past examination papers(opens in new tab)
- 196Research papers(opens in new tab)
- 29Graduation booklets and newsletters(opens in new tab)
- 16Books, book reviews and book chapters(opens in new tab)
Item counts from the repository, October 2026.
Research
Popular databases
- ProQuest Ebook Central (opens in new tab)E-books across all major fields of study
- EBSCOhost (opens in new tab)Multidisciplinary databases, e-journals and e-books
- Emerald journals (opens in new tab)Management, business and engineering journals
- Taylor & Francis Journals (opens in new tab)Social sciences, law, humanities and sciences
- Law Africa (opens in new tab)African law reports, statutes and legal texts
- Kenya Law Reports (opens in new tab)Public legal information and case law
- African Journals Online (AJOL) (opens in new tab)Peer-reviewed research published in Africa
- RU Journals (OJS) (opens in new tab)Riara University’s own peer-reviewed journals
Subject guides by school
Curated starting points for each school.
- Law School
Law Africa, Kenya Law, Lexis Library, SAFLII and more.
- School of Business
Emerald, EconBiz, IMF eLibrary, JEMI and more.
- School of IR & Diplomacy
Taylor & Francis, Emerald, Wiley and ProQuest Ebook Central.
- School of Computing
IEEE Xplore, Mary Ann Liebert, InTechOpen and more.
- School of Communication & Multimedia Journalism
Taylor & Francis, Emerald, Sage, SCIRP and more.
- School of Education
ERIC, Emerald, Sage, MDPI and more.
Visit the library
Spaces and services you can use when you visit.
Reading and study spaces
Multiple sitting spaces, with librarians close by to help with your research.
Digital library
Computers with internet access to e-books, journals and databases. Free Wi-Fi throughout, so bring your laptop.
Printing, copying and scanning
Photocopying at KSh 2 per page and printing at KSh 5 per page, plus scanning.
Borrowing and reservations
Students borrow 4 books for 2 weeks, renewable once. Reserve items on loan and collect within 24 hours of notice.
A word of welcome
Welcome from the Head of Library
“The Riara University Library is a one stop shop for all your information needs. Whether you are a new student just beginning your academic journey, or an experienced scholar, our team of information specialists is ready to connect you with the resources and expertise you need.”
Winfred GatimuHead of Library
Read the full message