About the Library
The Rodney Seaborn Library is a specialist library for NIDA students, graduates and staff located at the NIDA building in Kensington. A small makeshift library was first created for NIDA staff and students within the grounds of UNSW in 1980. By 1988 the library moved to a purpose-built facility within the new Stage I NIDA campus situated on Anzac Parade. The renamed Rodney Seaborn Library was established in 2002, relocating again to a much bigger space on the newly-built southern wing of the Stage II site. The Rodney Seaborn Library is since recognised as one of Australia’s leading performing arts-based libraries.
Library Collection
The library holds an extensive and unique collection of playscripts, and theatre, acting, design and costume-related books, both on-premises and online. On-site, the library holds over 40,000 items, including over 11,000 playscripts, 18,000 books and 3,500 DVDs. Online, there are over 4,000 streaming videos and 8,000 eBooks. NIDA staff and students of the VET, BFA and MFA courses can access online resources such as streaming video services and eBooks, via our library intranet.
Library Membership
NIDA Alumni are eligible for library membership. Membership packages include Borrower (physical items), Online, and Complete which combines the Borrower and Online packages.
Visitor Appointments
The Rodney Seaborn Library is open to the general public, by appointment. Appointments can be made by emailing [email protected], or phoning (02) 9697 7579 or 7680. Visitors are restricted to onsite use of the resources only, and are encouraged to bring loose change or small notes if they are considering making photocopies. Photocopies start at 10c per page for B&W A4. Our statutory licensing restricts copying to either one chapter or 10% of a book.
Opening Hours
The library is available on weekdays and remains open through to 7pm or 7:30pm Monday to Thursday during sessional times. We are closed on weekends and public holidays. NIDA is currently out of teaching session.
Holiday period, 25 Nov – 17 December:
| Monday | 12pm – 5:30pm |
| Tuesday – Thursday | 12pm – 5:30pm |
| Friday | 12pm – 5:30pm |
| Weekends & Public Holidays | Closed |
*Opening hours are always subject to variation and change at short notice, with shorter opening hours out of session.
Short notice alerts: [none]
Contact: [email protected] | (02) 9697 7680
Archives
The NIDA Archives collects, organises and preserves archival records created by or relating to NIDA.
As a valuable resource for research, teaching and education, NIDA Archives supports our role as Australia’s leading national educator in the dramatic arts.
