Services & Policies

Request a Tour

To request a tour, contact:

marvin.tillman@duke.edu

About

Duke University’s Library Service Center (LSC) is a state-of-the-art high density library repository designed to maintain optimal levels and give materials longer lives.  The center supports the ever expanding growth of the Libraries various collections.  Opened in 2001, the facility has the potential to store 15 million volumes.  The center is conveniently located a short drive from the main campus off Hwy. 147 and I-40.  High density storage facilities emphasize shelving efficiency.  Materials are sorted and shelved by size on specially designed shelving units that stand 30 feet high.  A special lift is used to retrieve volumes stored in the facility.  Due to the storage design, the collection can not be browsed.

The Library Service Center has a robust document delivery service available for all circulating material, to include electronic delivery.  Requested material is retrieved and delivered within 24 hours Monday through Saturday morning.  Scholars are welcome to conduct research in the Center’s Reading Room.  This is particularly useful when researching large serial runs.  The Center is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Patrons are welcome to visit the facility for immediate retrieval.

Reading Room

Although the storage Center is not a browseable collection, it does accommodate users who need access to long runs of serials or a large number of books.  The Center has a reading room complete with workstations and a photocopier for onsite consultation of the collection.  The reading room is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Researcher may consider calling in advance so the staff can retrieve materials and have them ready for use or immediate pick up.