Due to essential works, there will be a period of restricted access to Barker Research Library throughout April and May. Details of opening times can be found below.
This restricted access will also affect availability of our Virtual Search Room and copying service. To discuss potential alternative access, please complete our enquiry form.
During this time, additional pop-up library study spaces will be available in Palace Green Library and the Almshouse on Palace Green. For more information and full details of opening times, visit our website.
Durham University's Archives and Special Collections are held within Barker Research Library, located in the historic Palace Green Library complex on Durham’s World Heritage Site. The Library is bright and airy, making for a peaceful place to study and work.
All the material held here is for reference use only. Access is available for those using the collections.
For more information on our collections, please see the Archives and Special Collections guide.
Restricted access from 1 April - 31 May:
The Library will be open at the following times during the week (subject to change).
| Weekdays | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Monday 1 April | Closed for bank holiday |
| Tuesday 2 April – Friday 12 April | 1pm-5pm (search room access until 4.30pm) |
| Monday 15 April – Friday 19 April | Closed |
| Monday 22 April to Friday 31 May | 1pm-5pm (search room access until 4.30pm) |
For research access to the Archives and Special Collections, please use our online enquiry form to make an appointment. All visits during April and May must be booked in advance, and access to some of our collections will not be available during this period. Please give three working days notice for appointments and include a full list of document references or shelfmarks so that we can best enable your research access.
Opening times during March:
Study spaces:
Search Room:
Barker Research Library
Palace Green Library
Palace Green
Durham
DH1 3RN
Tel: 0191 334 2276
You can get in touch through our live chat service or by email, and search our FAQs for answers to your questions.
A number of non-bookable, individual study spaces are available in the Barker Research Library for silent study.
Please be aware that due to the nature of the collections within the library, no food or drink is allowed.
For information on study spaces available elsewhere across campus, please see our Study Spaces Guide.
On-site access to the Archives and Special Collections is available for members of Durham University and external researchers. Please use our online enquiry form to plan your visit with us.
Please see our separate guides to reprographics services and to accessing the collections virtually, if you are unable to visit in person.
Our exhibition galleries, including the Museum of Archaeology, are now open with free entry to visitors. Please note, due to capacity restrictions within the galleries, there may be a short wait during busier times. If you wish to access the collections for research purposes, please contact us to make an appointment.
Cosin’s Library is now open to the public after being closed for several years to carry out essential conservation work. Having now been completed, the library and its collections are now more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Please visit Palace Green Library Exhibitions : Your Visit - Durham University for more information and to pre-book a timeslot.
We continue to develop new online exhibitions, events and learning resources for users to engage with from anywhere in the world.
To help us protect our collections housed at Palace Green Library, food and drinks are not permitted in the Barker Research Library. There is no cafe or refreshment facilities on site - however, there are coffee shops and cafes nearby.
The University welcomes the use of face coverings in shared indoor spaces on campus. If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home and try to avoid contact with people. Please visit the University webpages for more details.
Please see our Accessibility and Support Guide for further information.