Finding Materials

There are a number of tools to assist users of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library in identifying materials for their research.

• Catalog
  The Duke University Libraries Catalog is the first place to check for information about our holdings. For printed and other resources, the online catalog of the Duke University Library may be consulted.
  • Advanced Search Option: to limit searches to Special Collections materials, users should use the advanced search option, selecting the location option for "Special Collections." To search manuscript and archival materials, set the format option to "mixed" or "manuscript."
  • Tips for searching the Duke University Libraries Catalog for special collections material.
• Archival Finding Aids
  More detailed records for manuscript and special collections are often available in the archival finding aids (both linked to the catalog record and searchable separately). These finding aids are online descriptive tools which serve as the primary point of intellectual access to archival collections in archives and manuscript repositories. You can browse or search these extensive guides to over 300 collections. Please note that archival finding aids have been created for only a small subset of our collections.
• Published Guide to the Manuscript Collections
  Information on 5991 archival collections acquired up to 1980 by the Manuscript Department of Perkins Library, now part of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library. Originally a published resource available at select libraries, it is now available for browsing and searching via the web.
• Research Guides & Pathfinders
  May provide helpful direction if you are beginning a research project. Please note that these guides provide highlights, not comprehensive lists.
• Basic Definitions
  Terms used on the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library web site.
• Ask a Question
• Guide to Citing Special Collections Materials
• Contact Us

Please note that the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library also maintains a number of legacy card catalogs and files that may be useful for further identifying resources. Library staff can assist patrons in the use of these files.

Many of our collections are housed offsite and require advance notification of one full weekday for retrieval.  Additional books and manuscript collections are being moved offsite as we prepare for the renovation of our current location.  Contact us to request retrievals in advance of your visit.