Located at the center of campus, the UCSB Library is the academic and cultural hub for students and scholars. It is part of the 10-campus University of California Library System which houses more than 45 million volumes, making it one of the largest research libraries in the United States.
About the Collection
The UCSB Library contains more than 3.1 million books, 72,000 print and online journals, and subscriptions to hundreds of article and research databases. Among the Library's collections are significant holdings in humanities and social sciences, science and engineering, maps and imagery, curriculum resources, East Asian languages, and ethnic and gender studies. The Library’s new Interdisciplinary Research Collaboratory provides space and tools for data research, analysis, and visualization across the disciplines. The Department of Special Research Collections contains unique and rare materials, including historic sound recordings, fine press and artists’ books, the California Ethnic & Multicultural Archives (CEMA), American Religions Archives, Santa Barbara History Collections, and the University Archives. The Music Library, located in the Music Building, is home to music scores, videos, and more than 60,000 sound recordings.
Resources for Students
UCSB librarians provide classes and expert individual assistance to help students develop research skills and strategies. Personalized 24-hour research support is available through the “Ask-a-Librarian” service on the Library’s website. The UCSB Library maintains a Course Reserves service, where faculty place textbooks or other course materials on reserve for students to borrow for free. Library study spaces, ideal for collaborative work or individual study, include bookable group study rooms, designated quiet areas, and a secure 24-hour study space. Students can find computers, laptops, scanners, copiers, video and DVD players, audio materials, and free wireless access at the Library. UCSB students can also log in from off campus to access the Library's databases and online resources, including full-text journal articles.
Resources for Faculty and Researchers
Technological innovations are transforming the way in which scholarly information is created, disseminated, and preserved, and the UCSB Library collaborates with faculty members and researchers to take full advantage of the opportunities that these advancements provide. The Alexandria Digital Research Library (alexandria.ucsb.edu) is UCSB’s repository of digital collection materials. The Library also works with faculty and researchers on data management and curation, and open-access publishing.
The UCSB Library is a member of the California Digital Library, the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, and the Digital Library Federation, and participates in cooperative programs with other major national research libraries to provide collections and services for the UCSB community and beyond.
Contact the UCSB Library at (805) 893-2478, or visit www.library.ucsb.edu.