NIDA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we learn and tell stories, the Bidjigal, Gadigal, Dharawal and Dharug peoples, and we pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.

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Library and Archives

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

Library Catalogue

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.

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.

The Rodney Seaborn Library is open to the general public, by appointment. Appointments can be made by emailing library@nida.edu.au, or phoning (02) 9697 7579 or 7680.

Opening Hours

The library is available Monday to Friday, and remains open through to 7pm or 7:30pm Monday to Thursday during sessional times. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Session  1, 12 February - 12 April

Monday

10am - 7pm

Tuesday - Thursday

10am - 7:30pm

Friday

12pm - 6pm

Weekends & Public Holidays

Closed

*Opening hours are subject to variation and change at short notice, with shorter opening hours out of session.

Short notice alerts:

Contact: library@nida.edu.au | (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.

Learn more