On-site access to the Archives and Special Collections within our three sites (Palace Green Library, Ushaw College Library and 5 The College) is available for both members of Durham University and external researchers.
If you have not visited us since 1 August 2021, please email pg.library@durham.ac.uk before your visit to book an appointment, giving at least 3 working days’ notice. All visits to 5 The College or Ushaw College Library must be booked in advance.
We encourage all our researchers to email details of the books or documents (including shelfmarks or document references) that you would like to work on. This will ensure that we can have them ready for you, as items cannot always be produced on demand.
Please do not book or attend an appointment if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19), or if you have been asked to self-isolate.
Information on remote access to the collections in our care is available at the following pages:
For further information on our sites and services, see the guide to University Library and Collections and Partner Library sites:
If you have arranged or been given a specific arrival time, please arrive as close to that time as possible.
Please do not visit if you have any of the symptoms of Covid-19, if you are awaiting a test result or if you have been asked to self-isolate. If you develop any of these symptoms whilst on-site, please let staff on duty know and leave the building. If you are not a current member of the university, please contact us if you develop Covid-19 symptoms or test positive within 7 days of your visit, either by emailing pg.library@durham.ac.uk or calling 0191 3342972. Current staff or students should contact the university using the methods outlined at https://www.dur.ac.uk/coronavirus/ if you have symptoms or a positive test.
You will need to wear a face covering on arrival and when moving around the building, unless you are unable to do so.
Search room rules are displayed on site, as well as guidelines for users.
You will need to bring with you a face covering, your own pencil (and sharpener) and/or laptop/tablet. You can also bring into the Search Room your own notes and your own books, within reason, and can use silent, hand-held cameras or 'phones to photograph most material, on request. There are lockers available for coats and bags. Food and drink are not permitted in the building. Due to increased ventilation, our buildings may be cooler than usual during the winter months.
Wifi is normally available for members of the University or those registered with Eduroam, and as a self-registering public service.
Food and drink is not permitted in the Barker Research Library. There is no cafe or refreshment facilities on site. However, there are plenty of coffee shops and cafes nearby.
University members and visitors are strongly recommended to wear face coverings in University buildings, including the Library, and when in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
During your visit, please follow the safety measures we have in place and be considerate of other users.
Please see our Accessibility and Support Guide for further information.