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Using the Library

Information for Visitors

People visiting the Bill Bryson Library

Our libraries and collections are provided to support the research, teaching and learning of the Durham University community. We are also pleased to welcome external students, researchers and visitors to Bill Bryson Library. 

If you wish to access our Archives and Special Collections, visit our webpages for more information.

To access Bill Bryson Library: 

General Information for visitors 

Visitors studying or working at another academic institution 

Visitors associated with Durham University 

Individual External Visitors 

If you need additional information, you can contact us through our live chat service or by emailing main.library@durham.ac.uk

General information 

  • External visitors are welcome between 9am and 10pm, seven days a week. Check our webpage for any closures or changes to these times before you travel
  • Before and during the exam period in April and May, access will be restricted as we have a high demand for study spaces
  • Visitors are able to access free Wi-Fi through Eduroam (if supported by their institution) or the Cloud  
  • We are unable to provide computers or laptops for external visitors (including Sconul) to use. You are welcome to bring your own laptop
  • There is onsite access to a selection of our online resources for external visitors. Please ask at the Help and Information Desk if you wish to access these
  • There is a scanner for visitor use
  • There are no facilities for visitor printing or photocopying
  • There is a charge of £10 made payable to the University Computing and Information Service if a replacement for a lost visitor card is required. 
  • To help keep everyone safe we ask everyone to follow our expectations of behaviour.  For more information, please see our Code of Conduct.

If you studying or working at another academic or partner institution 

  • Students and Staff from other UK universities: Durham University is a member of the reciprocal scheme Sconul Access. This enables many University users to access other academic libraries in the UK and Ireland. Please see the Sconul Access information pages to check if you are eligible. If you will be visiting Durham University Library regularly, you may wish to apply for a visitor campus card by completing a Visitor Campus Card Application form.
  • North East Universities’ students and staff: Through a reciprocal agreement with North East University Libraries, staff and students from Durham and Newcastle universities can access each other’s Libraries for reference use only. You will need to bring your own university ID card for all visits. If you wish to borrow, you can check to see if you’re eligible and apply through Sconul Access. If you will be visiting Durham University Library regularly, you may wish to apply for a visitor campus card by completing a Visitor Campus Card Application form.
  • Common Awards students: As partners you are able to use Durham University Library, you will be able to get a campus card from Computing and Information Services and will be able to borrow up to 7 items. You will need to register your student email address at our Help and Information Desk. For more information see the Common Award webpages. 
  • Study Group (ISC – Stockton) students and staff: Your Campus Card gives you full access to Bill Bryson Library and enables you to borrow books from us. 
  • Schools, 6th form and EPQ students: If you have been on an organised school visit and induction with our Learning Team, you are welcome to use Bill Bryson Library independently for reference use. You will be given a card to show you’ve been to the induction, please bring this with you on each visit and ask to be signed in at the Help and Information desk. If you wish to arrange a school visit, please contact our Learning Team.   

If you are associated with Durham University 

  • Retired Durham University staff: You can apply for a Library card, which will also enable you to borrow up to 7 items plus access to licensed online collections, through DURSA.
  • Emeritus staff:  Please complete a Visitor Application form to access the library and borrow up to 20 items. If you require IT access please contact your department. 
  • Casual Durham staff and College mentors: Your Campus card will enable you to borrow up to 7 items. 

Individual external visitors 

  • Reference access: There is no charge for reference only access. You will be asked to show ID and register at our Help and Information desk. We will then issue you with a day pass. Alternatively, you can apply for an annual Visitor Card by completing a Visitor Campus Card Application form.
  • Subscription borrowing: If you are not a member of the University and you wish to borrow books from the Library, you can register as a subscription borrower. This allows you to borrow up to 7 items at a time, at a cost of £90 per year. Complete a Visitor Campus Card Application form.
  • Alumni: If you are alumni and you wish to borrow books from the Library, you can register as a subscription borrower. This allows you to borrow up to 7 items at a time, at a cost of £60 per year. Complete a Visitor Campus Card Application form.