If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.

What do I need to do?

• Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
• Provide details of the author/ title(s) you want to consult.
• Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on our links to other libraries webpage.
• A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.

Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.

If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a library card to access other academic libraries. There are two cards available: an ALCID card, and a SCONUL access card.

Alternatively we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.

Applying for an ALCID card

Academic Libraries Co-operating in Ireland (ALCID) , a co-operative scheme between Irish university libraries, allows postgraduate students (Doctoral, Masters by research and by exam) to access other libraries and their collections. These cards are not available to undergraduate and H.Dip. students.

• An application form is available from the service desk in the Library or print out and submit the ALCID application form.
• Cards cannot be issued if there are any fines or overdue books on your account.
• We will issue you with your card, which you will need to sign.
• Always bring your UCD student card with you as well when using your ALCID card.

Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on our links to other libraries webpage.

Your ALCID card provides access to these libraries:

• Dublin City University
• Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
• Mater Dei Institute
• National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
• NUI Galway
• NUI Maynooth
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• Royal Irish Academy
• Saint Angela's College, Sligo
• Saint Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Limerick

Applying for a SCONUL Access card

SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) Access is a co-operative borrowing scheme which allows you to borrow in over 158 academic libraries in the UK and Ireland. This scheme does not include Trinity College Dublin.

• You can get a SCONUL Access card if you are registered at UCD for: a PhD; a MPhil; a MLitt; or a similar qualification awarded purely by research.
• Application forms are available from the service desk in the Library or print out and submit the SCONUL application form .
• Cards cannot be issued if there are any fines or overdue books on your account.
• Cards are issued the next day (Monday - Thursday), you will need to sign the card.
• Always bring your UCD card with you as well when using your SCONUL Access card.
• Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on their website.
• We advise you to check the access regulations and other relevant information before you travel.
• Take care of the items you borrow, you are responsible for replacing them if they get lost or damaged.

Letter of Introduction

If UCD Library or libraries within the SCONUL or ALCID schemes do not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.

What do I need to do?

• Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
• Provide details of the author/title(s) you want to consult.
• You can check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
• A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.

Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.

If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a library card to access other academic libraries – there are two cards available: an ALCID card, and a SCONUL access card.

Alternatively we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.

Applying for an ALCID card

Academic Libraries Co-operating in Ireland (ALCID) , a co-operative scheme between Irish university libraries, academic staff access other libraries and their collections.

• An application form is available from the service desk in the Library or print out and submit the ALCID application form.
• Cards cannot be issued if you have any fines or overdue books on your account.
• We will issue you with your card, which you will need to sign.
• Always bring your UCD staff card with you as well when using your ALCID card.

Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on our links to other libraries webpage.

Your ALCID card provides access to these libraries:

• Dublin City University
• Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
• Mater Dei Institute
• National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
• NUI Galway
• NUI Maynooth
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• Royal Irish Academy
• Saint Angela's College, Sligo
• Saint Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Limerick

Applying for a SCONUL Access card

SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) Access is a co-operative borrowing scheme which allows you to borrow in over 180 academic libraries in the UK and Ireland. This scheme does not include Trinity College Dublin.

• You can get a SCONUL Access card if you are a member of academic staff at UCD.
• Application forms are available from the service desk in the Library or print out and submit the SCONUL application form to visit elsewhere.
• Cards cannot be issued if there are any fines or overdue books on your account.
• Cards are issued the next day (Monday - Thursday), you will need to sign the card.
• Always bring your UCD card with you as well when using your SCONUL Access card.
• Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on their website.
• We advise you to check the access regulations and other relevant information before you travel.
• Take care of the items you borrow, you are responsible for replacing them if they get lost or damaged.

Letter of Introduction

If UCD Library or libraries within the SCONUL or ALCID schemes do not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.

What do I need to do?

• Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
• Provide details of the author/title(s) you want to consult.
• You can check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
• A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.

Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.