Welcome to 2024: getting the most out of your libraries and collections

Study spaces 

We have a variety of study space sites across campus, suitable for all types of learning. You will find different working areas available including collaborative, quiet and silent study areas, with some at Bill Bryson Library that you can book in advance. Wi-Fi is available across our sites as well as a range of IT equipment including PCs, printers, docking stations, loanable laptops and large screens. 

Where can I find study spaces? 

We have study spaces available at our three libraries:  

• Bill Bryson Library, the main library on Lower Mountjoy, with collaborative, quiet and silent study spaces available (including bookable options for those of you who like to plan ahead) 
• Barker Research Library, located in the historic Palace Green Library where our archives and special collections are held, with spaces available for silent study 
• ISC Library in Stockton-on-Tees, for use by staff and students living in the area.    

We also have a number of study space sites available across the city, including: 

• Teaching and Learning Centre (2nd floor)  
• Elvet Riverside  
• Business School Study Space (available to Business School students) 
• Calman Learning Centre 

Other study spaces across campus are also available, including Dunelm House and Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science Building, and of course, within your College library. 

Accessing resources 

Finding an item
Find an item or search our huge range of electronic resources from across our library, museums and special collections by using our library catalogue, Discover - simply type in words from the title, a topic or an author to get started.  

Requesting an item
If we don't have an item that you need, you can ask us to buy a copy for you to borrow, or you can request it from another library through our Inter-Library Loans (ILL) service. Visit our Request guide for details. 

For more information about finding and using our physical and electronic resources, visit our Accessing resources: where to start guide. 

Develop Your Skills - tutorials and webinars 

We have a range of tutorials, videos, webinars and guides available on our Develop Your Skills webpages, created to help you to get the most out of our resources and develop the skills you need to research your assignments and dissertation effectively. 

Chat With Us 

Our Chat With Us sessions at Bill Bryson Library are back for Epiphany term, starting on Tuesday 9 January with an opportunity to come and speak to our friendly staff about using our services, study spaces and collections. You can pop in to see us between 2pm-3.30pm (you don’t need to book, and we’ll have free hot drinks and biscuits!) – you’ll find us on the sofas next to the laptop lockers on Level 2. 

Find out more... 

• Visit our Welcome guide for details of the services and support we offer 
• Our Getting Started guide is full of information and guidance to help you at any time during your studies  
• You can browse all our Library Services guides to search for specific information 
• Visit the Library and Collections website 

If you have any queries, you can contact us through our live chat service or by emailing main.library@durham.ac.uk