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The Library welcomes recommendations from staff and students, provided they are current editions and support the learning, teaching and research interests of the University. Make your request through the Collection Recommendation Service.
The library offers over 200,000 print and electronic books. Print books are arranged by shelf number, which are found using LibrarySearch and on the book binding, the most relevant numbers are -
| Subject | Shelf Number |
| 20th century architecture | 724.6 |
| 21st century architecture | 724.7 |
| Architectural drawing | 720.284 |
| Building Construction | 690 |
| Contemporary architects | 720.92 |
| Design history | 745.409 |
| Furniture design | 749 |
| Interior decoration | 747 |
| Interior structures | 729 |
| Retail design | 725.2 |
Journals provide up to date research in your area of study, they may be available in print or electronic format and can be found using LibrarySearch. A list of all current journals can be found using the Journals A-Z, the most relevant are -
Databases bring together specialist collections of articles, images and electronic books. A list of all current databases can be found using the Databases A-Z, the most relevant are -
A+T online Library includes access to A+T Magazine plus access to other architecture publications from the same publisher.
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This link opens in a new windowJournal articles on architecture and design, including bibliographic descriptions on subjects such as the history and practice of architecture, landscape architecture, city planning, historic preservation, and interior design and decoration.
This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new windowBloomsbury Design Library provides cutting-edge scholarly coverage of design and crafts worldwide from 1500 BCE to the present day.
This link opens in a new windowNews, comment and reviews keeping architects up to date with the key issues affecting the practice and profession of architecture.
CIS (The Construction Information Service) provides full-text access to current regulations, standards, technical advice and related news and briefings. Also provides access to the Architects Journal.
At the ACCURIS login screen enter your UCA email address in the format xxxx@ucreative.ac.uk or xxxx@students.ucreative.ac.uk
For more information see - Using CIS.
Database of more than 3,000 projects from more than 30 years of DETAIL, providing inspiration to support architects.
This link opens in a new windowEnables you to view and print Ordnance Survey, Historic, Geology, Marine, and Environment maps of any location in Great Britain. Particularly useful for Architects and Town Planners identifying different types of landscapes
This link opens in a new windowGoogle Scholar is a freely available search tool that helps you to find academic articles and books on the web. It searches publishers’ websites, university research repositories and other kinds of scholarly sites. It provides a broad and interdisciplinary search and includes the ability to track the number of times an article has been cited by other authors as well as direct links to UCA online collections. For more information see - Using Google Scholar.
This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new windowICE Virtual Library from ICE Publishing is the most comprehensive online civil engineering resource in the world. Here you can explore their archives back to 1836, browse ICE Publishing's internationally renowned journals and access over 1,500 eBooks
This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new windowAn archive of scholarly journals covering the visual arts, including architecture, film studies, fine art, art history, the performing arts, religion, folklore and language, 1884-2009.
This link opens in a new windowWGSN Interiors provides trend forecasts, design inspiration, and market insights for interior and product design, including emerging styles, materials, and consumer preferences.
See - Getting started with WGSN to learn more about how to setup and use WGSN.
This link opens in a new windowBoB is on demand TV and radio service for education which allows staff and students to record programmes from over 75 free-to-air channels; and search our archive of over 2.2 million broadcasts. See - Using BoB to learn more about how to setup and use BoB.
This link opens in a new windowThe BFI video on-demand streaming service, showing critically acclaimed classic, cult and archive films.
To create or reactivate an account go to the Academic Subscription Page
See the FAQ for further instructions on creating an account.
This link opens in a new windowKanopy is a video streaming service with a Netflix-style interface which can be accessed via the link above or using the Kanopy mobile app for Android and iOS.
Login required off campus to watch films (log in with your UCA details to create a Kanopy login).
Over 2.5 million rights-cleared and high quality images from 46 of the world's leading collections.
Archives offer access to rare and unique insight into the work of artists and creators, and often include original letters and artwork. Details of all the collections can be found in the ArchiveSearch, the most relevant for interior architecture and design are -
Materials LibraryA collection of material samples reflecting innovative material design and process samples used to explore material experimentation in design and creative practice.
