Web Site Search

Link to Ask Us page
The Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Duke student or faculty member to use Special Collections?
No. We welcome researchers from all over the world. Please see Using Materials in the Dalton-Brand Reading Room to learn about the registration process and guidelines for using our collections.
Do I have to make an appointment to visit Special Collections?
No. It is, however, wise to call ahead in case some of the material you wish to see is housed in the offsite Library Service Center. Retrieval from the LSC takes approximately 24 weekday hours.
Do you have a genealogy section?
We do not have a genealogy section or staff who specialize in genealogical research. We do, however, hold collections of family papers and other material that might be helpful. To find out whether we may hold items related to your ancestors, consult the Finding Materials section of our website.
Can you tell me what my old books are worth?

It would be considered unethical for a staff member to appraise your books, but we can recommend sources of information:

  • The brochure Your Old Books, is a helpful starting point. It is available electronically from the website of  the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. The website also provides information about purchasing paper copies of the brochure.
  • Commercial websites such as www.abebooks.com, www.powells.com, www.alibris.com, www.bookfinder.com, and the used book section of www.amazon.com list rare and out of print books. The asking prices for titles of the same edition and in similar condition may give you an idea of the current market value for the volumes in your collection.
  • Special Collections and most research libraries hold some guides that you might wish to consult:
    Allen and Patricia Ahearn. Book Collecting 2000: A Comprehensive Guide. New York: Putnam, 2000. (Special Collections Biblio A285B)
    American Book Prices Current. Currently received serial. (Special Collections Biblio A512)
    Bookman’s Price Index. Currently received serial. (Special Collections Biblio qB724)
  • We provide a list of local appraisers on our website.
What is the oldest book in your library?
The answer depends upon how you define “book.” We have nearly 1,400 ancient Egyptian papyri, and medieval manuscripts in Latin, Greek, and other languages. Our earliest printed texts include a leaf from the Gutenberg 42-line Bible printed in Mainz in 1454. Our earliest complete printed book is a collection of sermons of Pope Leo I, printed in Rome in 1470.
Why would you have a recently published book in your collection?
There are several reasons why we might have a recent publication. For example, we collect comprehensively the work of some writers with a Duke connection. Hence, you would find novels by Reynolds Price, Anne Tyler, and other living authors in Special Collections. The Sallie Bingham Center collects women’s prescriptive literature—guides to improving one’s appearance, manners, child-rearing skills, etc.—including current titles.
My parents are visiting soon. May I bring them by to see some of the treasures in your collection?
Changing exhibits in the cases outside the Mary Duke Biddle Rare Book Room and in the hallway gallery are accessible whenever Perkins Library is open. If you wish to visit the Rare Book Room, telephone 919-660-5822 to arrange for a staff member or volunteer docent to show you around. There is always an open house on the Friday afternoon before Parents’ and Family Weekend in the fall. Visitors are also welcome to come to the Dalton-Brand Reading Room, 103 Perkins, to register as researchers and enjoy exploring our collections.
I need to use a wheelchair. Is Special Collections accessible to me?
Yes. Enter the Perkins Library building via the main entrance, which features a ramp and automatic door opener. Turn left at the first corridor. The Dalton-Brand Reading Room, 103 Perkins, is at the end of the hall on the right. We have closed stacks, so staff always retrieve material for our researchers. Several of our tables have been modified to make them more comfortable for those in wheelchairs.
Why do you charge a commercial use fee for your images when you aren’t the copyright holder?
Acquiring, organizing, describing, and preserving rare materials is a costly enterprise. Charging a minimal fee helps to support those expenses.
Is there university housing available for visiting researchers?

The university does not provide housing for visitors. See Directions and Accomodations for infomation about local housing options..

How do I cite Special Collections material?
See the Guide to Citing Special Collections Materials for detailed instructions.
Is it true that Special Collections offers a reward for student papers?
Yes.  Any student whose research paper for a Duke class is based largely on Special Collections materials may be nominated for a Middlesworth Award by their professor.
What is the difference between Special Collections and the Duke University Archives?
The Duke University Archives, now a part of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, is the official repository for University records and other materials reflecting upon the history and administration of Duke. Special Collections preserves material related to a wide range of subjects. See our Collection Development Policy for more details.  Patrons wishing to use University records should consult Research Services staff in the Brand-Dalton Reading Room (Perkins 103).