Ethnographic Library in the Historical Museum
Welcome!
Find academic literature in our collections, get help from a librarian, or find a calm place to work in the library.
The library is affiliated with the Museum of Cultural History and has been developed around the museum’s activities and needs, but we are open to all visitors by appointment.
The Numismatic Library is run by the Ethnographic Library, but is not open to the public.
The Ethnographic Library is located on level 4 (no lift) of the Historical Museum (Frederiksgate 2) and is only staffed by appointment. Visits must be arranged in advance by email. Please get in touch! Read more about access to the library.
At our library you can
- use the library, but you must make an appointment in advance
- work in a calm environment
- visit the Museum of Cultural History in the same building
Work and study at Ethnographic Library
We have some reading seats. Note that other activities may take place inside the library. Use by external visitors outside KHM is somewhat limited, but feel free to contact us to arrange a time.
We have one workstation with a PC, with access to electronic resources. There is wireless network in the library.
Groups can work together here. Please contact us to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the toilets?
There are toilets in the hallway outside the library.
Can I print, copy, and scan?
Unfortunately, the library does not offer printing or photocopying facilities for visitors. Read more about the other services available at the University Library.
Where can I refill my water bottle?
You can refill your water bottle at the sink in the rest room.
Is there anywhere nearby where I can buy food and drinks?
There is no separate café in the building, but in the museum shop on level 1 you can buy coffee, some drinks and a few snacks. There are also some tables where you can sit. The library is located in the city centre, so there are many other options nearby.
You may eat in the library, but hot food and food with strong smells or that is noisy to eat must be consumed outside the library. Please be considerate and tidy up after yourself.
Where do I report if it's too cold or too hot?
Tell the librarian, or 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 not. KHM staff can access the library using their UiO card and code, and may return items in the returns box in the library.
Please remember that you can return items at any UiO library. The Law Library is nearby, at Kristian Augusts gate 17. It can be accessed using a UiO card and code from 05:00 to 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 staff at KHM during the building’s opening hours.
Do you have a quiet room for resting?
No, unfortunately we don’t have that.
Is the library accessible for people with disabilities?
The library is on level 4 with no lift. Please contact us if you have difficulties visiting. Materials can also be ordered and sent to another library with better accessibility.
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)
Can the library assist with valuation of objects?
No, we do not offer that service.
Our printed collections
The collections have been developed around the museum’s activities and needs. The Ethnographic Library covers ethnography, social anthropology, material culture and museology, as well as literature on non-European cultures and Indigenous peoples. The Numismatic Library holds specialised literature on coins and medals. The material can be searched in Oria, and most items are available for loan.
See what it's like here
The Historical Museum seen from Frederiks gate. Entrance in the middle of the building. The library is on level 4.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
The main entrance to the Historical Museum on level 1. The librarian will meet you here at your agreed time.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
At the library you’ll meet our friendly librarian Janne.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Study spaces in the library.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Part of the book collection is kept in compact shelving in the library.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Librarian’s office/library desk.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
From the book collection.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
A glimpse behind closed doors in the Numismatic Library, which is closed to the public.
Photo: Anita Pedersen Lørdahl/UiO
Events
Welcome to our events! Open to everyone.
Resources by subject
Find databases, recommended literature, reliable sources, and contact information for subject librarians at the University Library.
Particularly relevant subject page: Social Anthropology.
See also the pages for the Museum of Cultural History and the Department of Social Anthropology.
News from the University Library
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Brain Power Award to UB staff Oct. 30, 2026
Forskerforbundets Brain Power Award for 2026 has been given to university librarian Cathinka Neverdal and senior adviser Runhild Seim for their work on Banned Books Week Norway. They share the prize with Alexander Refsum Jensenius (UiO). The recipients are recognised for their innovative, interdisciplinary research and public outreach.
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Changes to pickup locations for interlibrary loans Oct. 28, 2026
Students and staff at UiO and OUS can use the interlibrary loan service to request books and articles that are not available in our collections. From 28 October, the pickup locations for interlibrary loan materials will change.
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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”.