Library facilities
University library
The University Library automatically stocks the items in the textbook lists for each module. These lists make use of the following categorisation system:
- Required Reading
- Additional Reading
Items identified as Required Reading will often be available in the Main Library's Reserve Collection and/or for 3-day loan. You are encouraged to consider purchasing your own copies of these books. Items in Additional Reading will be provided in the long loan category.
Prior to 2011, a slightly different categorisation system was used:
E - Essential Reading
R - Recommended Reading
B - Background Reading
We welcome suggestions for other useful physics texts related to lecture courses and projects. Please make such recommendations via the Department's Library Representative, Dr Silvia Pascoli. All books purchased will be held in the Main University Library.
Further information about reading lists is available at http://www.dur.ac.uk/library/course_resources/.
Use of other university libraries
Under reciprocal agreements students of this University are allowed to study in the libraries of other universities (of which they are not members) in, or near, their home towns during vacations. If you wish to make use of this vacation facility, you should simply apply directly to the library concerned, presenting your campus card. The services that are available vary from library to library.
Sir James Knott Room
The Sir James Knott Room (Room 132, on the first floor of the Rochester Building) is open during term time from 9.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. and provides a place of study within the Department for your use. Please respect the right of others to work in quietness. The Room contains a collection of texts of use to undergraduates, but this library is not maintained as a current reference source. It is also occasionally used for departmental meetings and other activities, during which times it is unavailable for use as private study space.