A primary mission of the Rubenstein Library is to provide support and instruction for classes at Duke University and beyond. Our librarians and archivists are delighted to introduce students to rare books, manuscripts, and other media (such as photographs, film, and digital media) that relate to their coursework and research projects.

In addition to class presentations, we’re happy to place selected materials on reserve for students to consult during the course of an assignment, or to reserve a room where small classes may meet to work together with Special Collections materials. We can also supply digital images for your course site or other networked presentation.

Please contact us for more information.

Teaching Spaces

Many of the classes held in the Rubenstein take place in the Mary Duke Biddle Rare Book Room. Other library rooms, however, can be reserved for classes with special technology needs. Notice: The Biddle Rare Book Room will be closed for renovation beginning September 1, 2012. The Breedlove Room and Gothic Reading Room will be closed beginning March 31, 2013. During renovation alternative library spaces will be available for instruction and events.

Directions to:

• Biddle Rare Book Room
• Breedlove Room
• Perkins Room 118
• Dalton-Brand Reading Room (103 Perkins)

Middlesworth Awards

The Chester P. Middlesworth Awards have been established to encourage and reconginize excellence of research, analysis, and writing by Duke University students in the use of primary sources and rare materials held by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. The awards are granted annually to the authors of the best undergraduate and graduate student papers based largely on the Rubenstein Library resources. To nominate a student, complete a nomination form, which must be submitted along with a clean copy of the paper.