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A valid Library card is required to both enter and exit the Library.  Readers without a valid Library card should ensure that they visit the library when the admissions desk is open so that their admissions needs can be addressed.  

Readers from other libraries must apply at the admissions desk during opening hours.

Mon - Thur         9:30 - 21:45

Fri                        9:30 - 16:45

Sat                      9:30 - 12:45

Sun                     Closed

Contents

Access to UCD Libraries
Access to other Libraries
Printable Guides to the Library
Off Campus Access

Access to UCD Libraries - who can use the Library - and how

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Registered Users

Staff Access
Student Access

Non-registered Readers/Visitors
UCD graduate Access

Nova UCD Companies

SCONUL Access

External readers

External borrowers

Admission to the Library: Staff

Your UCD Staff ID card is your Library card.  You need it to enter and exit the UCD James Joyce Library.   You also use it to borrow books.  The Library issues Library cards for UCD staff who are not eligible for a UCD Staff ID card (contact Personnel for details). If you require a Library card please contact any Information Desk. You will be asked to complete a short application form.
You can download the form as an Adobe Acrobat file (9KB). You need the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your machine to display the Adobe Acrobat form (the Reader is available from NAL on UCD machines). If you are using your home machine, the Reader can be downloaded from Adobe's Web site if necessary.
If you intend to primarily use the UCD James Joyce Library, you might also wish to download a copy of our guide to UCD James Joyce Library services for UCD staff. (75KB)

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Admission to the Library: Students

When you register with the University, you will be given a UCD student card. This also acts as your Library card. You will need your card to enter and exit the James Joyce Library (formerly main Library).  When a student card is issued or replaced it takes 24 hours to be activated. You will not be able to use your new card to borrow or enter/exit the James Joyce Library for this period.
Please visit our Services (Services and Facilities) page for information about the full range of Library services available, including borrowing (now Book Borrowing).

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Admission to the Library: UCD Graduates

Graduates of UCD who wish to use the Library are welcome to apply to become an External Reader or an External Borrower.
Please note that under the terms of our user licences with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to non-UCD staff and students, including UCD Graduates. Electronic resources may only be used for the purposes of private study and research and not for commercial gain.
Graduates of UCD, who are also members of the UCD Alumni Association, can use the Library for reference.
For the James Joyce Library please apply to the Admissions Desk with your alumnus card.  For branch libraries please apply to a Library Information Desk with your alumnus card. A Library card can usually be issued immediately. Please note that this card does not give borrowing privileges.
As the Library is very heavily used by UCD students prior to and during the main examination period, we regret that access to the Library is unavailable to UCD alumni between March and May.

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Admission to the Library: Nova UCD Companies

Staff of Nova UCD companies who wish to use the Library can avail of two tailor-made packages. Nova Borrower entitles one member of staff to have borrowing rights in all of UCD's libraries for an annual fee of €100. Nova Reader allows any member of staff to have access (read only) to all of UCD's libraries for an annual fee of €30. To apply for Nova Borrower please download this Adobe Acrobat file. To apply for Nova Reader please download this Adobe Acrobat file. Please send completed application forms to Reader Services, James Joyce Library (formerly main Library), UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4. You will be informed by post of the outcome of your application.  

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   Admission to the Library: SCONUL Access Visitors

UCD Library is a member of the SCONUL Access co-operative borrowing scheme.  Band A only is accepted in UCD Library (academic staff and research postgraduate students registered for a PhD, MPhil, MLitt or similar qualification awarded purely by research ). Visitors from participating libraries applying for borrowing facilities should submit a completed application form to the level 1information desk in the James Joyce Library (formerly main library). Desk opening times vary, check that the information desk will be open when you visit.  A valid Sconul Access card and home institution ID will be required. If your home institution ID does not include a photograph, photgraphic ID will also be required e.g. passport. Your borrowing card will be ready the next working day (Monday - Thursday). In the interim you will be issued with a temporary access card. Click here for borrowing entitlements.

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Admission to the Library: External Readers

Who can apply?
What services are available?
How much does it cost?
How to apply

Who can apply?

Members of the public requiring access for research purposes, or with genuine scholarly needs, can apply to use the Library as either an External Reader or an External Borrower. Each application is judged on its merits.
Please note that we cannot accept direct applications from taught-course students at other Irish academic and educational institutions. Undergraduate and diploma students at other universities who wish to use the Library should apply to their own university library for a letter of introduction. Present this in UCD libraries for up to one week's access. For the James Joyce Library (formerly main Library) please ensure that you first visit when the admissions desk is open.  During the summer vacation period (mid-May -end of August) students may apply  for access through the CONUL scheme.  Please note a CONUL application is made through your home library.
Staff and postgraduate students (doctoral and masters - taught and research) at other universities in the Republic of Ireland can apply for reference access through the ALCID scheme. Please note that an ALCID application is made through your home library.

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What services are available?

An External Reader has access to the Library for reference (that is consulting resources in the Library) but not for borrowing.
As the Library's primary purpose is to serve the needs of UCD staff and students, the interests of External Readers should not conflict with the needs of the staff or students of UCD. Please note that, as a result, access is at the discretion of the Librarian.
Some Library materials that are in high demand from students on UCD taught courses are not available to External Readers.
Please note that under the terms of our user licences with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to External Readers. Electronic resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.
In order to give priority to UCD students during the busy pre-examination period, we regret that access to the Library is not available from March to mid-May.

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How much does it cost?

Long term access (ends 28th February)

UCD Graduate € 35

Non-UCD Graduate € 120

Weekly access

UCD Graduate € 20

Non-UCD Graduate € 30

Daily access

UCD Graduate € 10

Non-UCD Graduate € 15

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How to apply

Please complete the External Reader application form and return it to Reader Services, James Joyce Library (formerly main Library), UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4, or to the Information Desk in the branch of the Library where you are applying. You will be informed by post of the outcome of your application.
You can download the form as an Adobe Acrobat file (46.9KB) To display an Adobe Acrobat file you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your machine. This can be downloaded from Adobe's Web site if necessary.
Applications take one week to process. Applications from some readers may be processed immediately: for example, Repeat/Deferred Students, Adult Education Readers and researchers from abroad.
If your application is successful, the required fee can either be posted to the relevant Library, or presented at the Information Desk. You will then receive your External Reader Card.
Please note that membership may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Librarian.
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