Our services: Getting started with the Library: Home

New to Durham? Not visited the library yet? Take a look at our quick guide for everything you need to know to get started.

You can also take a look at the various pages within this guide for helpful videos and further information.
 

Your Campus Card is your Library Card

Carry your Durham University campus card when visiting all Library sites. You will need your campus card to enter the Bill Bryson Library.

Use our library catalogue, Discover 

Find a book or search our huge range of electronic resources including journals, eBooks and databases by using our online library catalogue, Discover. Simply type in some words from the title, a topic or an author to get started. Then, make a note of the shelfmark to collect it from the shelves. 
 

Borrow

Borrow an item using our self-service borrowing machines. Always check your receipt or your Library Card account on Discover for the date your item is due back.

More information on borrowing an item and allowances can be found on our Borrow guide.
 

My Library Card account

Log on to your Library Card account to renew your items, check return dates and pay any overdue charges. Check your Durham University email regularly for messages from the Library, including notifications if a book you have borrowed has been reserved by another student and you need to return it to us. Visit My Library Card account guide for more information.
 

Return

You can return your items by posting them through the Book Drop located to the left of the main entrance of Bill Bryson Library, or via the self-service returns machines if you are visiting the Library. Visit our Return guide for more information.
 

Keep up to date

Keep checking our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about using the Library, simply get in touch through our Virtual Enquiry Desk, Ask DULib, and our team will be happy to help!