Welcome to University Library and Collections 2020-2021: Home

University Library and Collections - Easter Term 2021 (Term 3)

As we enter Easter Term, we want to reassure you that whether you return to Durham or continue your learning online, we will continue to support you through our online services which are available to you anytime, anywhere.  

• We have a vast collection of online resources accessible through Discover and the Library Catalogue 
• There is specific subject support available on our subject guides  
• Our friendly team can offer help and support through our Virtual Enquiry Desk. 
   

Accessing our libraries and services in Durham 

For Easter Term, we’ve increased our bookable study spaces, extended opening times and re-opened or introduced new buildings, all to provide you with as much opportunity as possible to access study spaces whilst keeping Covid-secure. There will continue to be limits on the number of study slots you can book in each building, with the aim of allowing more students the opportunity to book a space. 

The following will be available to current University staff and students residing in Durham from the start of Easter Term: 

• Stay and Study: you can book individual study spaces at various buildings across campus, including Bill Bryson Library and the Teaching and Learning Centre (staff bookings available at Bill Bryson Library only). All study spaces are for individual, quiet use. 

• Browse and Borrow: you can access Bill Bryson Library for up to an hour to browse the shelves and borrow any books you require. 

To access any of our buildings, you must book online through our Space Bookings system before visiting us. For each service, you can only book one timeslot per day in each building.  

Full details of available spaces, opening times and booking availability can be found on our Study Spaces guide.

Researcher access  
Pre-booked research access is available at Barker Research Library (Palace Green), 5 The College, Ushaw College and Oriental Museum for University staff and PGR students undertaking essential research. There are no study spaces available in these buildings. 
 

Staff and students away from Durham 

If you do continue your studies away from Durham, you can make use of the services we have offered during Epiphany Term which will continue to run until at least the end of the academic year: 

• Our Scan and Deliver service allows you to request scans of chapters and articles available in print to be sent straight to your inbox. Available to current University staff and students who are not currently residing in Durham. 

• Our free postal returns service is available to all UK-based staff and students, allowing books to be returned to the Library by those who are not able to access campus in the current situation.  

• This term, our free postal loans service will be extended to all University staff and students who are not currently residing in Durham, allowing you to request items held in University Library and Collections to be posted first class to a UK address outside Durham City. 
   

Health and safety measures 

When visiting any of our buildings, you are required to follow each of the safety measures we have in place. Continued access to services and facilities relies on compliance with expected behaviours and you may be asked to leave if you do not follow requested safety measures.  

• Face coverings - you must wear a face covering during your time in our buildings or study spaces, unless exempt. This includes while seated at your study desk. 
• Keep your distance - please follow any route plans marked and maintain social distancing of 2metres. 
• Ensure good hand hygiene – wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser on entry and exit of the building and before and after touching or using any books or equipment. 
• Clean as you go – wipe down all desks and surfaces before and after use and put all rubbish in the bins provided. 
• Use the study desk you have been allocated – all study spaces are individual – you may not sit adjacent to anyone else, regardless of household groups. 

We will continue to update you with any changes to our services in line with guidance from the Government and University.  

If you have any queries about our services and support, you can contact our Virtual Enquiry Desk.