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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 |
Advertising | 659.1 |
Branding | 658.827 |
Ecological design | 720.47 |
Graphic design | 741.6 |
Marketing | 658.8 |
Packaging (1) | 688.8 |
Packaging (2) | 659.564 |
Product design & industrial design | 745.2 |
Product design (Production) | 658.575 |
Pure & applied design | 745.4 |
Sustainable development & environmental studies | 333.7 |
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 -
Indexes and provides the full text of journal articles on art, design, advertising, architecture, crafts, interior design, photography, textiles, television and video.
Bloomsbury Design Library provides cutting-edge scholarly coverage of design and crafts worldwide from 1500 BCE to the present day.
DAAI is the leading source of abstracts and bibliographic records for articles, news items, and reviews published in design and applied arts periodicals. 1973 to present.
Google 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.
LS:N Global is an online trend forecasting and consumer insight service used in industry, which tracks trends which are influencing consumer needs and brand buy-in. It includes text, image and video content.
If problems are experienced in Chrome users are advised to switch to a different browser.
WGSN Consumer Tech reports on emerging trends and innovations within the consumer technology industry, providing insights into the latest advancements, including auto tech, AI, and UX.
See - Getting started with WGSN to learn more about how to setup and use WGSN.
WGSN 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.
The 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.
Kanopy 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).
Stash is an online video library of animation, visual effects and motion design from around the world. The site is produced by Stash Media, a Canadian-based company.
A comprehensive listing of UK television and radio broadcasts. Selected programmes of value to higher and further education are reviewed. Click the login button and select the University for the Creative Arts from the dropdown - you will then be taken to a login page.
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 product design are -
Artists Books
Are works of art in a book, or book-like form. The appearance and production of the work is determined by the artist as a limited edition.
Digitised front covers can be viewed in ResourceBank
Bob Godfrey Archive
Internationally celebrated animator who founded the Animation programme at UCA Farnham – we hold his scripts, storyboards, correspondence, and animation cels.
A selection of of animations are available on ResourceBank
Diagram Group Archive
Founded by Bob Chapman and Bruce Robertson in 1960’s. Diagram was one of the most prolific creators of visual information books in the 20th century – we care for most of its manuscripts and art works.
Foundry Types
Freda Sack and David Quay, the creators of Foundry Types, eight concept designs of NatWest fonts produced pre 2001, showing work in progress and different types of typography.
Materials LibraryA collection of material samples reflecting innovative material design and process samples used to explore material experimentation in design and creative practice.
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
Typographic Circle
Poster collection (2008 - 2015). Founded by Maggie Lewis in 1976, Typographic Circle brought together people with an interest in typography and type.