About the library

The RCA Library is an inspiring and invaluable resource to inform and enhance study, research, teaching and studio practice at the College.

Our collections include over 70,000 books on art and design and other complementary subjects reflecting the full range of activity at the RCA. We have current subscriptions to a variety of journals and magazines as well as a collection of older titles.

Our Special Collections & Archives include a photographic record of student work and the UK’s largest collection on the subject of colour – the Colour Reference Library. It also includes the RCA archive, which holds material relating to the history of the College, as well as other special collections and archives.

The local library catalogue is available online.

Royal College of Art Special Collections also contribute to the Archives Hub. To browse descriptions of their archive materials, visit their Archives Hub information page.

British Library inter-library loan codes

Library code

LO/C78

Policy code

G2

For an explanation of these codes, and for more information on arranging inter-library loans, see the inter-library loans page on the British Library website.

Accessing materials

Can I see live document availability on Library Hub Discover? Yes.

Can I obtain items via inter-library loan? Yes - subject to the library's local lending policy. You must request an inter-library loan via a library of which you are a member. Talk to your own library staff for advice on ordering an item.

Can I visit the library to view materials? See the library's website for access details. If you wish to visit it is advisable to contact the library in advance, to ensure that they can accommodate you and that the material you need will be available.

Location

Browse all Royal College of Art Library records in Library Hub Discover here.