Mobile Library

Finding Materials

Please note: The Rubenstein Library has started a major renovation project that will continue through the summer of 2015.

The Rubenstein Library Reading Room will CLOSE December 17, 2012 and REOPEN January 7, 2013 in our new temporary location on the 3rd floor of Perkins Library. We will be unable to accommodate research visits during this time.
Researchers visiting between January 7 and February 17, 2013 will need to request materials at least four days before visiting. If no advance preparations are made, researchers should expect to wait at least one day before their materials can be made available. Please check our posted hours before planning a visit. (PDF map to 3rd Floor Perkins Reading Room)
Between December 17, 2012 and February 17, 2013, reference inquiries by mail, phone, e-mail, or the form below will require a response time of up to two weeks.

Catalog
The Duke University Libraries Catalog is the first place to check for information about our holdings. Please note that the Rubenstein Library also maintains a number of legacy card catalogs and files that may be useful for further identifying resources. Library staff can assist patrons in the use of these files.
- Advanced Search Option: to limit searches to Rubenstein Library materials, users should use the advanced search option. To search manuscript and archival materials, set the format option to "archival materials."
Archival Finding Aids
More detailed records for manuscript and special collections are often available in the archival finding aids (both linked to the catalog record and searchable separately). These finding aids are online descriptive tools which serve as the primary point of intellectual access to archival collections in archives and manuscript repositories. Archival finding aids have been created for only a subset of our collections.
Collection Strengths and Subject Guides
May provide helpful direction if you are beginning a research project. These guides provide highlights, not comprehensive lists.
Published Guide to the Manuscript Collections
Information on 5991 archival collections acquired up to 1980 by the Manuscript Department of Perkins Library, now part of the Rubenstein Library. Originally a published resource available at select libraries, it is now available for browsing and searching on the web.