Archaeology Library in Frederiks gate
Welcome!
Find academic literature in our collections, get help from a librarian, or find a quiet place to work in the library.
We are a small specialist library at the Museum of Cultural History. The library is open to everyone during opening hours. Changes to the opening hours may occur, so please check the website or contact us before you visit. Staff at KHM have access with UiO-card and code.
The Archaeology Library is located at Frederiks gt. 3 in the city centre. Entrance 3 D (from the courtyard), and via the main entrance. Select UB-Arkeologisk bibliotek on the intercom, then press the doorbell symbol to be let in.
At our library you can
- find academic literature
- use study spaces in a quiet and peaceful environment
- visit the Historical Museum right across the street
Studying at the Archaeology Library
We have a few study seats available for free use; there is no booking.
We have a workstation with a PC that has access to the library's databases.
We don't have group study spaces, but you can use the Law Library nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the toilets?
The toilets are located on level 1, in the area by the building's entrance doors.
Can I print, copy, and scan?
Unfortunately, the library does not have printing or copying facilities for visitors. Read more about other services at UB.
Where can I refill my water bottle?
There is a water dispenser on level 1 by entrance 3D.
Is there anywhere nearby where I can buy food and drinks?
There is no canteen and no food is sold in the building. The library is located in the city centre, so there are many options nearby.
You are allowed to eat in the library, but hot food and food that smells or makes noise must be eaten outside the library. Please be considerate and clean up after yourself.
Where do I report if it's too cold or too hot?
The building doesn't have centralized ventilation, so tell the librarian – they can provide panel heaters or air out the room.
You can also use UiO's Speak up pages. Here you can also report other issues or incidents you want to notify about.
Can I return books when the library is closed?
No, unfortunately. You can only return items during the library’s opening hours. Staff at KHM enter with their UiO card and code, and can return items in the library’s return box.
Remember that you can return items at any UiO library. The Law Library is nearby at Kristian Augusts gate 17. There it is possible to enter with a UiO card and code from 05:00–24:00.
Where can I find lost and found items?
Where did you last use it? :-)
You can ask the library staff about lost-and-found items.
You can also report lost-and-found items on UiO.
Can I use my UiO card to enter outside the library's opening hours?
Only for staff at KHM.
Do you have a quiet room for resting?
No, we do not have a quiet room for resting available in the building. Here you can see where to find quiet rooms for resting in other locations at UiO.
Is the library accessible for people with disabilities?
The library is located on level 2. The building does not have an elevator. Please contact the library if you would like to read books from the collection in the break room on level 1.
Can I film and take photographs in the library?
Yes – but it often requires prior approval. Read the guidelines for filming and photography. (In norwegian)
Our printed collections
The library is affiliated with the Museum of Cultural History, and the collections have been developed around the museum’s activities and needs. The collections cover archaeology, art history, conservation, museology, runology, religion, the Viking Age, the Middle Ages and local history. Please contact us in advance and we will check whether the books are available for borrowing.
See what it's like here
The main entrance to the building, on Frederiks gate. The library is on level 2, to the right in the picture.
Photo: UiO
The entrance door to the building from Frederiks gate. There is also an entrance from the courtyard, where there is parking. The entrance to the courtyard is around the corner to the right of this building, and the gate is a little way up the street.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
You must ring the bell to get in. You can either use the door intercom itself – select UB-Arkeologisk bibliotek on the intercom, then press the doorbell symbol to be let in – or you can call the phone number that’s on the note.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
The Historical Museum, seen from the entrance door on Frederiks gate.
Photo: UiO/Anita Pedersen Lørdahl
The entrance area on level 1.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
The staircase up to the library on level 2.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
There is no elevator in the building, so if you have reduced mobility you can contact the library, tell us which materials you would like to see, and we will bring them down to the staff canteen on level 1 where you can sit and read.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Our friendly librarian Lisa at the entrance to the library on level 2.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
The library desk and office inside the library.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
A card catalogue and bookshelves in the library.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
The book collection is on level 2 and 3.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Shelf with new books. And a coat stand if you want to hang up your jacket!
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
You can sit and work at the tables along the bookshelf.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Here you can work in peace and quiet. The spot is in the corner behind the bookshelves.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
The library has one PC workstation.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
News from the University Library
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Open Access Week 2026: The Cost of Knowledge Oct. 12, 2026
From 19 to 25 October, the global research community marks International Open Access Week. This year’s theme is “The Cost of Knowledge”.
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Welcome to the start of studies at the University Library! Aug. 6, 2026
Dear students! August has arrived once again after a long and lovely summer, and we are excited to welcome all students!
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The University Library recommends LGBTQ+ literature June 3, 2026
The University Library's collection contains a lot of LGBTQ+ literature. Here we present subject books and fiction related to lgbtq+ themes, gender and sexuality.
Resources by subject
Find databases, recommended reading, reliable sources, and contact information for the subject librarians at the University Library.
Particularly relevant subject pages: archaeology, art history, conservation, history, museums studies, and religion.
The Library at the Norwegian Institute in Rome
If you are planning to study or carry out research at the Norwegian Institute in Rome, you can search the library collection using the URBS catalogue. The Library in Rome holds more than 24,000 books and 110 periodical titles. The subject areas covered by the library collection are classical archaeology and Italian art up to the Renaissance, with a special focus on late antique and early medieval art. Please note that the DNIR library collection is non‑circulating.