The RCA Library’s extensive collection of material (access via the Library’s online catalogue) includes over 70,000 books on art and design and other complementary subjects, an expanding e-book collection, featuring critical and theoretical titles in the arts, humanities and social sciences subjects, a wide range of periodicals, and a collection of feature films and off-air TV recordings. It also provides access to key online resources, databases and journals.

Our special collections include a photographic record of student work and the UK’s largest collection on the subject of colour. The Library also includes the RCA archive which holds material relating to the history of the College.

While the Library collections are primarily intended for the use of current RCA staff and students, external researchers are welcome to consult the special collections and archives. In addition, a range of access schemes allows access to the main collections for certain groups. More details of these schemes can be found here.