About the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library

Developing an understanding of human experience and culture requires access to historical documentation in many forms and subject areas. The Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library at Duke University preserves such documentation and promotes its use. While the library's holdings are developed in relation to instructional and research interests in the University, they are available for use by visiting scholars and the general public as well as Duke faculty and students. The library's collections range from ancient papyri to the records of modern advertising. They number more than 200,000 printed volumes and more than 11,500,000 items in manuscript and archival collections. They support research in a wide variety of disciplines and programs, including African-American studies, anthropology, classics, economics, history, literature, political science, religion, sociology, and women's studies.

• News and Events
  RBMSCL staff news, exhibitions, and public events.
• Exhibits
  Information about current and past exhibits highlighting RBMSCL collections.
• Hours
  Hours of service for RBMSCL.
• History
  A brief history of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, including links to related sites.
• Organization
  RBMSCL is organized into four departments.
• Directions & Accommodations
  Directions to Perkins Library and RBMSCL for researchers and visitors, along with parking and accommodation information.
• Contact Us
  E-mail and telephone contact information for departments and Centers within RBMSCL.
• Frequently Asked Questions
  Answers to common questions concerning RBMSCL, its collections, and their use.
• Public Rooms and Exhibit Space
  The rooms within RBMSCL and exhibit areas.
• Care of the Collections
  Information on the housing and handling of RBMSCL collections.
• Support for Special Collections
  Information on financial support of RBMSCL and a guide to donating materials.
• Technical Services
  Information on the processing and cataloging of RBMSCL material, including internal style guides and manuals.