The Cowen Library is named after John D. Cowen, a noted amateur archaeologist and past president of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, who donated his own collection of books in 1976. It now contains around 7,000 books and a subject specific range of journals and offprints. It was originally housed in the Museum of Antiquities and started life as a small collection to aid the curatorial staff. It became Newcastle University’s archaeology departmental library when the department was formed in 1972.

Main subject areas include archaeology, ancient history and classics. Areas of particular strength are Roman Britain including social and military history, local archaeology, archaeological theory and methodology, and the history and archaeology of the Byzantine Empire. Of particular local interest are books on Hadrian’s Wall ranging from the mid 18th century through to newly published material.