Study carrels are spaces for solitary work that are intended to support the scholarship of Duke University doctoral students.
Please note, the following are not eligible for study carrels:
- Doctoral students who have assigned offices in their departments
- Non-doctoral students e.g., students enrolled in Master's programs
- Doctoral students enrolled in the Duke University schools of Business, Divinity, Law, Medicine and Nursing
- Faculty, visiting scholars and postdoctoral associates and staff
Requesting a carrel
All available carrels are currently occupied. To request a carrel, please confirm eligibility and join the waiting list. We will contact you when a carrel is available. Due to high demand, the wait may be a year or more. Doctoral students are also eligible for workspace in the Doctoral Research Space (DRS).
Carrel policies
Policies and guidelines are intended to maintain a safe environment. Violating them may result in permanent revocation of access. We reserve the right to make changes to this agreement. We'll inform carrel holders of policy changes before changes take effect.
- Carrels are assigned for two-year terms. At the end of the term carrels must be cleaned and keys returned to the Perkins Service Desk. At the end of the term, users may join the wait list for an additional two-year term.
- Replacement keys cost $25.
- All library materials kept in carrels must be checked out.
- Carrels are cleaned by housekeeping staff only upon request. Please dispose of trash outside your carrel. To request cleaning, please contact the Perkins Service Desk .
- Please be thoughtful about noise. Use headphones when listening to audio.
- Covering carrel door windows is a violation of university emergency management policies.
- Decorations or signs of any kind are not allowed on the outside of carrel doors.
- Electrical appliances and heating devices are not allowed.
- Smoking, vaping and use of humidifiers and fragrance diffusers are not allowed and may result in in permanent revocation of access, and you may be held financially liable for related costs, such as fire department response or cleaning/deodorizing fees.
- The individual assigned to the carrel is responsible for the condition of the carrel and any damage that may occur. The Libraries are not liable for lost or damaged belongings.
For additional information please contact the Perkins Library Service Desk .