Epiphany Term 2025: getting the most out of your libraries and collections

(Before we start, if you haven’t visited us or used the library just yet, don’t worry – head over to our Getting Started guide which is full of information and guidance to help you at any time during your studies.) 
 

Study spaces 

We have a variety of study space sites across campus with different types of study zones available, including collaborative, quiet and silent study areas. 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 (no food or drink is allowed in this space) 
• 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 Spaces (across their two sites, 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, as well as within your College library. 
 

Accessing resources 

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

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. 
 

Ongoing Support offer 

We’ve developed various sessions that will be running throughout this term as part of our ongoing welcome support. These sessions will help you to familiarise yourself with the Library, find out more about our services and develop your academic skills. 

Meet and Greet 

During our Meet and Greet sessions, we’ll show you around Bill Bryson Library and tell you more about using the physical library space and services. 

Online Essentials  

We'll show you how to find our various websites - including our Library and Collections website, library catalogue (Discover), our services guides and your library account - how to log in (where needed) and where to find relevant information and support. 

Chat With Us 

Join some of our friendly staff at our weekly Chat With Us sessions for a free hot drink and a biscuit, where you can ask us anything about the Library. 

Academic Skills sessions 

We offer various skills workshops and drop-in sessions covering a wide range of topics, from finding and managing information to critical reading, referencing, and writing. 

For more information about each of the above sessions and how to attend, visit our Ongoing Support guide. 
 

Find out more... 

• 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 library@durham.ac.uk