Updated April 28, 2020
What’s changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
- No building access: Library buildings remain closed until further notice, but we continue to provide resources, services, and consulting online.
- Archives and Special Collections: The Rubenstein Library Reading Room will be closed to all researchers until on-campus classes resume. Researchers with existing travel plans should reschedule their visit. Questions? Contact special-collections@duke.edu.
- Increased support for remote teaching and learning: Library staff are available to assist faculty with teaching online and to support students with research projects and assignments.
- Temporary access to print collections: The HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service now provides access to approximately 40% of our print collection, while we continue to maintain extensive access, to a wide range of online resources.
- Course reserves: We will try to find electronic versions of resources for use as course reserves, although physical reserves are not currently available.
- Interlibrary requests: We can only deliver articles and book chapters electronically, and many requests may be delayed or unfulfilled. Questions? Contact interlibraryrequest@duke.edu.
- New acquisitions and purchase requests: You can request the purchase of electronic materials to support research and teaching; however, we have temporarily stopped new acquisitions of many other materials. For more information, see the April 17 update on library collections and services from Duke's University Librarian.
- Physical materials: Overdue fines have been suspended, recalling items through the catalog has been disabled, and due dates between March 6 and May 14 have been renewed to May 15 and will be extended as necessary. Learn about how to return library materials. Questions? Contact perkinsrequests@duke.edu.
What hasn’t changed?
- Online access: All of our eBooks, online journals, databases, and other streaming/electronic materials remain available as usual.
- Get help: Ask a Librarian for quick research or reference questions or to consult with a subject specialist.
- The Link: The Link Service desk is available online (24x5) via chat and phone while the building remains closed.
How to return library materials
If you are in Durham
Option 1: Deposit books in our outside book return, built into the wall of Perkins Library near the triple entrance doors on the quad.
Option 2: Drop off your materials in a box at Duke’s off-site shipping and receiving facility at 100 Golden Drive, Durham, NC, 27705. Please note the following for drop off at this location:
- Drop off at this facility is limited to the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Park in the rear parking lot and enter through the warehouse. A bin is set up for book collection by the warehouse.
- Place your materials in a box clearly labeled with Perkins Library, Attn: Access and Delivery Services.
- Please practice social distancing, especially as you encounter Duke staff working at this facility.
If you are out of town
If you are out of town you can ship books to:
Perkins Library
411 Chapel Drive
Durham, NC 27708
Attn: Access and Delivery Services
Please obtain a tracking number for your package when shipping it to Durham. All due dates have been extended. Although returned books won't be checked in until we are able to return to the building, they will be secure. Questions? Contact perkins-requests@duke.edu.