General FAQs
- Where is the Archives located?
- Do I have to pay for parking?
- What are your hours?
- Do I need an appointment?
- Where can I go to find my medical records?
- Where can I find information about the Duke Health System services, physician's directory, patient and visitor information, and directions?
- Can I check out a book or item(s) from the collection?
- Where can I find historical materials relating to the University?
- Are there any fees associated with services?
- Why are some items restricted?
- Can you tell me what a finding aid is?
- Do you have oral histories?
Where is the Archives located?
The Duke University Medical Center Archives is located offsite, 2.5 miles from the Duke University Medical Center. There is no shuttle service between the Archives and the Medical Center.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No, since we are located off campus parking is available at no charge.
What are your hours?
Normal hours of business are Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm; Saturday by appointment; Sunday closed; Medical Center designated holidays closed.
- Call 383-2653 ahead of time for Holiday Hours
- Hours of Operation and Contact Information
Do I need an appointment?
No, you do not need an appointment. However, it is advisable to call ahead to make sure that we are open and that the documents you wish to see are available. We do occasionally close the archives and/or reading room for various reasons such as staff meetings, holidays, etc.
Where can I go to find my medical records?
The Medical Center Archives is not the official repository for medical records. All inquiries regarding such records should be directed to Health Information Management.
- Health Information Management Website
- Or call 919-684-2615
Where can I find information about the Duke Health System services, physician's directory, patient and visitor information, and directions?
- By Phone: Toll Free 1-888-ASK-DUKE (1-888-275-3853)
- Online: Dukehealth.org
Can I check out a book or item(s) from the collection?
No, because our materials are unique, rare, and sometimes valuable records of individuals, departments, and programs, they cannot circulate. In most cases, however, copies and/or scans may be made of the materials.
Where can I find historical materials relating to the University?
Are there any fees associated with services?
Fees for services such as research, photocopying, and scanning may be applicable. (There is no cost for researchers to use materials onsite.) Please see the links below for more information on fees and preparing for your visit.
Why are some items restricted?
We try to provide access to as much material as possible. Some items, however, must be restricted for a variety of reasons including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974/1976 (FERPA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The primary reason for restricting access to documents is to protect the privacy of individuals. Other materials might be restricted because of university records policies or stipulations by the donor. Please see the links below for more information.
Can you tell me what a finding aid is?
A finding aid is a guide to a manuscript or archival collection. It provides background information,including data about how the collection was acquired, as well as biographical or historical information that helps to place the collection in context. Finding aids include container lists that inventory the contents of collections, facilitating research.
Do you have oral histories?
Yes, the archives holdings include personal manuscripts, departmental records, oral histories, photographs, artifacts, and ephemera.