The University has provided clear Stay at Home guidance: 

With a very few exceptions, all teaching and learning will now be online only for the entirety of Epiphany Term – up to 19 March 2021. 

Students not currently in Durham should not return to Durham City before the start of Easter Term 2021, at the earliest. 

The University will work hard to ensure that learning outcomes and the graduation of students are achieved on time. 

Visit gov.uk to find out more about the national lockdown announced on Monday 4 January 2021. Please read the UK Government guidance on When You Can Leave Home before deciding on any travel. 

As a department, we recognise that students on Campus and living in Durham may need access to our physical facilities for essential use only, and students who are not currently in the City and are unable to access our buildings continue to require our support.  

The Government requires Universities to provide services to support students, including library provision and study space. Students in certain categories are permitted to return to campus, so the Library is providing access to study space for these students only, alongside virtual services for all students. 

We want to reassure you that regardless of where you are during the lockdown period, we will continue to support you through our online services, available to you anytime, anywhere. We have a vast collection of online resources accessible through Discover, specific subject support on our subject guides and help and support through our Virtual Enquiry Desk. 

Please see below for more details on our current available services.

Due to the current UK lockdown restrictions and University guidance, there have been changes made to opening hours and access to our buildings and study spaces. 

Bill Bryson Library 
On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 January 2021, Bill Bryson Library will open at 9am and close at the earlier time of 6pm.  

As of Monday 11 January 2021, opening times are Monday to Friday from 9am-8pm for essential use only. Access is for pre-booked services including individual study spaces, disability support study rooms and Browse and Borrow.  

Teaching and Learning Centre 
As of Monday 11 January 2021, opening times are Monday to Sunday from 9am-8pm for essential use only. Access is for pre-booked, individual study spaces – household bookings are not available.  

ISC Library, Stockton 
Due to the closure of the International Study Centre at Queen's Campus, Stockton, as of Monday 11 January 2021 the ISC Library will be closed until further notice. 

Other study spaces 
All other study spaces will remain closed until further notice. Your College may have some study spaces for anyone already resident. 

Researcher access 
Pre-booked research access at Barker Research Library (Palace Green) and Oriental Museum remains available for University staff and PGR students undertaking essential research. 

Please note, you must book a timeslot to access all services within our buildings – please visit our Space Bookings system to book. Updated University policy means you must now wear a face covering at all times within our buildings and study spaces, even when sitting at your study desk (unless you are exempt). 

Whether you are on campus or away from Durham City, our online services and support remain available to you, with eresources available through Discover and specific subject support on our subject guides.  

Our dedicated team are available through our Virtual Enquiry Desk to answer any emails/messages and are online during opening hours for you to contact through our live chat service. Our overnight chat support is in place for enquiries between 8pm and 8am, and you can check our FAQs at any time.