Resources
The Library holds a vast range of resources to help you with your studies. Here you will find out about our collections and how to access them.
Archives and Special Collections
Our archives and special collections are rare or unique, such as original letters and artwork, with particular strengths in arts activism, animation and photography. For inspiration and research, we are open to all by appointment, whether you fancy taking a look at Roobarb in the animation archive of Bob Godfrey, our art school archives, or our activist collections, including work by photographer Tessa Boffin.
Artists' books
These are art works using text and image which take the form of books or other objects. These collections include ‘zines and student work.
Books
The library offers over 200,000 books. All of these and more can be found on LibrarySearch. Loans are either three week or seven days. They may either be borrowed from your own, or, if the book is a three week loan, another campus. To borrow a book from another campus you will need to place a hold.
Databases
The Library subscribes to over 50 databases - collections of articles, images, ebooks and other material - to help you in your studies. To see a full list of all the databases we subscribe to, see our database A-Z.
Dissertations and theses
The Library holds a selection of dissertations written by previous students over the last three years. These can be found using LibrarySearch or on resourceBank.
Images
The Library subscribes to a number of image databases. For guidance on using images please see our Libguides pages on copyright.
Journals
Journals provide current research in your area of study and can be electronic, print or both. Journal A-Z gives you a list of all current library journal subscriptions.
Moving images
The Library holds over 19,000 DVDs and subscribes to a number of specialist arts streaming databases. eStream is the Library's moving image service which allows you to access a wide range of videos, television programmes and other learning resources.
Reading lists
Recommended reading lists for your course are all currently listed on the Library catalogue.
Research
The Library provides open online access to its staff research, including both text-based and creative arts research, as well as PhD theses. Research can be found on UCA Research Online.
Subject guides
Subject guides listing ejournals, databases and books recommended for your course may be found on myUCA in the Library resources sections.
Times Higher Education
UCA subscribes to Times Higher Education. Register with your @uca.ac.uk email address to gain free access.
VADS
The national image repository hosted by the University consists of 140,000 items and associated metadata from 300 collections, brought together online to enhance learning, teaching and research in the visual and creative arts.
Contact Gateway
For information on our services, please contact the Gateway.
New Dover Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 3AN
Telephone: +44 (0)1227 817 314
Email: gatewaycanterbury@uca.ac.uk
Find out what is happening at Canterbury:
Library Opening Times update Tuesday 22nd September
COVID-19
Due to the national lockdown announced by the Government on 4 January 2021 the campus libraries will be closed until further notice. Please keep an eye on our myLibrary site for further updates.
Ashley Road
Epsom
Surrey
KT18 5BE
Telephone: +44 (0)1372 202 461
Email: gatewayepsom@uca.ac.uk
Find out what is happening at Epsom:
Library Opening Times update Tuesday 22nd September
COVID-19
Due to the national lockdown announced by the Government on 4 January 2021 the campus libraries will be closed until further notice. Please keep an eye on our myLibrary site for further updates.
Falkner Road
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7DS
Telephone: +44 (0)1252 892 709
Email: gatewayfarnham@uca.ac.uk
Find out what is happening at Farnham:
Library Opening Times update Tuesday 22nd September
COVID-19
Due to the national lockdown announced by the Government on 4 January 2021 the campus libraries will be closed until further notice. Please keep an eye on our myLibrary site for further updates.
Fort Pitt
Rochester
Kent
ME1 1DZ
Telephone: +44 (0)1634 888 734
Email: gatewayrochester@uca.ac.uk
Find out what is happening at Rochester:
Library Opening Times update Tuesday 22nd September
COVID-19
Due to the national lockdown announced by the Government on 4 January 2021 the campus libraries will be closed until further notice. Please keep an eye on our myLibrary site for further updates.