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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 |
| Acting | 792.028 |
| Costume design (films) | 791.43026 |
| Costume design (theatre) | 792.026 |
| Directing | 792.0233 |
| Film acting | 791.43028 |
| Film genres | 791.436 |
| Film production design | 791.43025 |
| History of theatre | 792.09 |
| Plays and scripts | 822 |
| Set design | 792.095 |
| Stage productions | 792.9 |
| Television programmes | 791.456 |
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 -
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This link opens in a new windowDrama Online is an online resource for theatre and performance, offering cross-searchable content, including e-books and transcripts of plays.
This link opens in a new windowAccess to over 900 full length productions and educational resources. Digital Theatre collaborates with over 50 world class theatre companies and practitioners to capture and curate live performance bringing a range of insights from behind the scenes to support study.
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.
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This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new windowIndexes over 250 Film, Music and Performing Arts journals with 97 of these available in full text, including American Cinematographer, Dance Chronicle, Film Criticism, and Journal of Popular Film and Television.
The online hub to watch 600+ performances from off West End and fringe theatres from all around the world.
This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new windowExceptional collection of award-winning screenplays, critical and contextual books on film from the late nineteenth century to the present, and an interactive timeline of cinema history.
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.
Offers access to over 900 programmes, including contemporary productions, from the BBC’s archive of Shakespeare’s plays, poems and sonnets.
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 performing arts are -
Tandem Film Daniel Greaves Studios
Animations produced by Tandem Films including ‘Flatworld’ (1997) and ‘Manipulation’ (1991) - this collection consists storyboards, scripts, and artworks.
A selection of animations are available on ResourceBank
Tessa Boffin Archive
Photographer and performance artist, this collection reflects her artistic practice developed around LGBTQ, gay and lesbian culture and producing work in response to HIV/AIDS
A selection of digitised archives are available on ResourceBank
Zines
Are a unique form of self-expression “do it yourself“ magazines. They cover any subject, common themes include feminism, music, politics, activism, literature, personal, crafts, art and design, and travel. Available at Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham.
Digitised front covers can be viewed in ResourceBank
