How-To for First Year Students

How Do I ... ?

  • Search the online catalog for books in the Duke Libraries collection.
    • For print books, look at the library location (ex: Perkins & Bostock) and write down or take a photo of the Library of Congress call number (ex: PR6039.O32 L63713 2006). You'll use this call number to locate the book at whichever library is listed on the page. All of our libraries have call number maps posted that tell you which floor and section your book will be located in, but ask at the front desk if you're having trouble finding a book! We're happy to help.
    • If you find a print book that is located at the Library Service Center (our off-site storage facility), you'll have to use the green REQUEST button on the page to get it sent to the library of your choice. We'll send you an email when it's ready for pick-up.
    • For ebooks, use your netid/password to access and "check out"; here's a handy how-to video.
  • Renew with My Library Account using netID/password; select "Loans" and check the box next to each item you wish to renew, and click "Renew all selected titles."
  • You can return items to Perkins/Bostock, Lilly Library at Bishop's House, and Music Libraries.
  • Can't find it? Connect with a librarian!
  • Do a keyword search in Books & Media for your favorite artist or title. You just might be surprised what we have!
  • Click the green REQUEST button, enter your netid/password to request the title, and choose your pick-up library location.
  • Streaming music can be found on our Listening Online Page
  • To search Lilly's vast collection of films--DVDs and streaming videos and more--in the library catalog, do a keyword search or search by Title, Director, or even an Actor (hint: "author"=anyone associated with the film).
  • Use the green request button and pick up your movie at the location of your choice.
  • Borrow DVD drive to watch DVDs in our collection. You can borrow them from Perkins, Music, and Lilly Library @ Bishop’s House.
  • We have lots of streaming video titles that you can watch from anywhere, anytime. Access them using netid/password. Here's a list of all the streaming video platforms we subscribe to/license.