Leeds Arts University Library

Reflecting the core values of the University, the library is dedicated to creating a student-centred, collaborative environment. Students love to spend hours in our friendly and calming spaces, which are filled with natural light and comfortable seating.

Our highly rated* libraries – the purpose-built Blenheim Walk and historic Vernon Street – are a hub for the disciplines and critical approaches that underpin our creative community and provide a great place to study, research and work together.

As a specialist art library our collection’s focus is on the creative arts and design, though we also have resources on contextualising subjects like cultural studies, politics, psychology and sociology to support interdisciplinary inquiries and students’ wide-ranging curiosity.

Provision of high-quality print and online resources for our specialist creative communities is a priority and we work regularly with Course Leaders and students to build collections that are rich, current and tailored to learning programmes.

As well as an exciting range of books, films and magazines, the library provides access to academic journals, eBooks, industry-grade insights and online databases with abundant visual content for learning, research and inspiration accessible across your devices through the Library Search platform.

The library also holds a Special Collection of rare and unique artist publications predominantly from the late 20th century to the present day, plus the University’s Archive of historical records and ephemera dating from 1846. These amazing materials are integrated with the student learning experience through handling sessions, collaborative projects and regular library exhibitions, as well as being accessible to individuals on request.

The library team is made up of dedicated and knowledgeable staff with a student-focused approach, who can help you to get to know the library and get the most out of it, for your personal, professional, academic and creative development at Leeds Arts University. Our team also provides guidance and workshops on resource discovery, information literacy and referencing throughout the year.

Leeds Arts University Library forms part of the Curation and Library Services department. Knowledge-building, critical thinking and creative inquiry are aligned to foster an interactive and multi-disciplinary environment that supports students and staff in the production and dissemination of practice-based research. Find out more about research at Leeds Arts University by visiting the institutional research repository and learn about the curatorial projects and research-driven art exhibitions at Blenheim Walk Gallery.

* National Student Survey data 2023: A total of 91.9% of final year undergraduates answered in the positive to the question: 20. 'How well have the library resources (e.g. books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?'.