Hello! My name is Ava Botwin, and I was the UCF Special Collections & University Archives (SCUA) Processing Intern for the Spring 2026 semester. Through my internship, I learned the ins and outs of working in an archive, processed multiple collections, and gained hands-on experience in the library.
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For two decades, UCF Libraries Special Collections & University Archives has celebrated creativity, innovation, and artistic expression through its annual Student Book Arts Competition. Established by former Special Collections Head Ellen Anderson, the competition invites UCF students to push the boundaries of the book form by creating original, one-of-a-kind artist’s books.
But what exactly is an artist’s book? More than a book in the traditional sense, an artist’s book is a work of art in its own right—a handcrafted creation that embodies the maker’s unique vision. These works blend a variety of artistic practices, including storytelling, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and personal text, transforming the a traditional book into an engaging and often unexpected artistic experience.
This year’s exhibition showcases an inspiring range of formats, concepts, and techniques, highlighting the remarkable creativity and talent of UCF students. From innovative structures to compelling narratives and striking visual designs, each piece reflects the vibrant spirit of book arts fostered by Special Collections & University Archives.
All submissions are carefully evaluated by a panel of judges on the basis of content, creativity, design, and craftsmanship. The winning artist’s book will be announced later this month, celebrating excellence in this dynamic and evolving art form.
The exhibit runs from June 1 – 30, 2026 at the John C. Hitt Library 4th Floor Gallery.
To look more in depth at past competitions go to: stars.library.ucf.edu/bookartscompetition
We are extremely happy to announce that OverKnight Study is back for the Final Exam period of the Spring semester! We are offering extended hours on selected dates in the John C. Hitt Library from 1:00am – 6:00am on specific days. Amenities include 200 study seats, access to desktop PCs, drink and snack machines and security staffing. Below are the following dates of the OverKnight Study for the Fall Semester:
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This year, UCF Libraries has moved forward with purpose while staying grounded in the services we provide. From the success of our community support to the growth of open education and digital scholarship, we have advanced our mission to connect people and ideas! To acknowledge that, we are proud to present the 2024-2025 Impact Report and celebrate all that the UCF Libraries has accomplished.
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UCF Libraries has gained access to a major new expansion of primary source materials in the Adam Matthew collections. The Adam Matthew collections, a primary source database founded in 1990, are already a valuable resource for UCF faculty, students, and staff. This expansion adds a broad range of historical content covering multiple cultures and time periods.
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