LibGuides: Duke University: Rubenstein Library

General Information

Facility:	Duke University David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Address:	411 Chapel Drive Durham, NC 27708
Phone:	(919) 660-5822
FAX:	(919) 660-5934
Email:	Inquiry

About the library:

Named after David M. Rubenstein, the library holds about 378,000 items which cover 2,000 years of human history. In addition, it is also home to three specialized research centers.

Hours

Online Collection Highlights

Archive of Documentary Arts
An in-depth description of the collections within this archive, as part of the Rubenstein Library. It also includes news, announcements, and upcoming events from these collections.
History of Medicine Collections
A page dedicated to the collections on the history of medicine, including over 24,000 items. The page also includes news and upcoming events related to these collections.
Human Rights Archive
The Human Rights Archive partners with human rights activists to preserve the history and legacy of human rights around the world. The page includes news about the collections, as well as the traveling exhibit.
University Archives
A page about the official repository for Duke University records. This page includes announcements, news, and upcoming events related to these collections.

Research Collections and Facilities

Summary of Collections

Collection size: as of March 2014 the Rubenstein Libraries collection of rare books and manuscripts contained 378,000 items, of which 180 are in Japanese, including a collection of medical manuscripts. The Rubenstein Library's collections are global in scope, spanning the past 2,000 years of human history.

Notable Collections

Advertising, Sales and Marketing
African and African American History and Culture
Comics
Documentary Film and Photography
Duke University History
Early Manuscripts
Economics
German Studies
Human Rights
Italian Studies
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer History
Literature
Medicine
Music
Religion
Southern History and Culture
Women's History and Culture

Research Resources

Research Guides
Librarians and archivists at the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library have created research guides on a variety of popular topics to help you find relevant material in our collections.
Collection Guides and Finding Aids
A searchable database of online finding aids for the collections in the Rubenstein Library. These include the Japanese medical manuscript notebooks, a recent collection of 63 volumes dating from the late Edo period (1810-1849).
Digital Collections
The digitized collections from the Rubenstein Library, comprised of some 75,000 items. This includes images, full text, and metadata, including some 4,300 items directly relating to Japan.

Access

View Larger Map

How to Use the Facility

Floor Plans
Use of the Collection
The David W. Rubenstein Rare Books & Manuscripts Library is open and freely accessible to the general public. Researchers are encouraged to consult with a reference librarian to get the most out of their time in the library.
Researcher Registration and Material Request
All patrons are required to register as a Researcher prior to their visit. Once you register, you can request material. While most material takes 4 business days, please note that some material may take longer than 4 business days. An email will be sent when material is available.
Request Collection Reproductions
The Rubenstein Library will digitally reproduce items in the collections for varying costs, depending on the nature of the items requested. Duke affiliates are prioritized and other researchers can expect a wait time of 8-10 weeks after payment is received. Please see site for other information and limitations.
Citations, Permissions, and Copyright Information
For information on citation and copyright responsibilities.

Give Us Your Feedback

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net