Can I use UCD Library, and borrow books?

Yes, if you are doing research you may apply to become an external borrower in UCD Library. Each application is judged on its own merits.

We regret that:

• We cannot guarantee access to all applicants.
• We cannot accept applications from students undertaking taught courses at other Irish academic/educational institutions.

How much does it cost?

It costs €200.00 for twelve months for both borrowing and access rights.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Download our external borrower scheme guide for more details.

I don’t need to borrow books, can I still get in to the Library?

Yes, if you are doing research you may apply to become an external borrower in UCD Library. Each application is judged on its own merits.

We regret that:

• We cannot guarantee access to all applicants.
• Some library materials that are in high demand/on reading lists may not be available to external readers.
• Access for external readers to our libraries is available for four individual time periods. These are June-August, September-November, December-February and March-May.

Can I use your electronic resources?

Under the terms of our user licences with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to external readers. Where available, these resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.

How much does it cost to use UCD Library?

There are different cost options for external readers who are UCD Graduates:

• June to August €35.00
• September to November €35.00
• December to February €35.00
• March to May €35.00
• Weekly access €20
• Daily access €10.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Please download our external reader scheme guide for full details of the scheme.

What should I do to use UCD Library?

Your ALCID card must be processed by UCD Library on your first visit. Therefore ensure the James Joyce Library Admissions Desk or the loans desk in the site library you are visiting is open the first time you visit.

Bring the completed ALCID application form to the Admissions Desk, together with your ALCID card and your University ID card. We will put a UCD barcode on your ALCID card which will grant you access to the Library.

Can I borrow books?

No, your ALCID card allows you to use the resources available in UCD Library, but not to borrow books. If you need to borrow you will have to join as an external borrower which is a charged service.

Can I use your electronic resources from home?

No, your ALCID card, allows you access to our electronic resources from computers within UCD Library only.

Under the terms of our user licenses with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to external readers. Where available, these resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.

Graduates of UCD, who are also members of the UCD Alumni Association, can use our libraries for reference.

How do I apply?

• Bring your Alumni Association card to the Library Admissions Desk.
• Complete the external reader application form.
• We will put a barcode on your alumni card which will grant you access to the Library.

Can I borrow books?

No, your alumni card allows you to use the resources available in UCD Library, you may not borrow.

Can I use your electronic resources from home?

No. Access to our electronic resources is available from computers within UCD Library only. Under the terms of our user licenses with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to external readers. Where available, these resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.

How can I borrow from UCD Library?

If you are doing research, and wish to use the resources in UCD Library, you can apply to become an external borrower. Each application is judged on its own merits.

We regret that:

• We cannot guarantee access to all applicants.
• Some library materials that are in high demand/on reading lists may not be available to external readers.

How much does it cost?

It costs €300.00 for twelve months for both borrowing and access rights.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Download our external borrower scheme guide for more  details.

I don’t need to borrow books, can I still get in to the Library?

Yes, if you are doing research you may apply to become an external reader in UCD Library. Each application is judged on its own merits.

We regret that:

• We cannot guarantee access to all applicants.
• Some library materials that are in high demand/on reading lists may not be available to external readers.
• Access for external readers to our libraries is available for four individual time periods. These are June-August, September-November, December-February and March-May.

Can I use your electronic resources?

Under the terms of our user licences with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to external readers. Where available, these resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.

How much does it cost to use UCD Library?

There are different cost options for external readers who are non-UCD Graduates:

• June to August €70.00
• September to November €70.00
• December to February €70.00
• March to May €70.00
• Weekly access €30.00
• Daily access €15.00

Is there anything else I need to know?

Please download our external reader scheme guide for full details of the scheme.

I am a staff member or postgraduate student

Academic staff members, PhD, taught and research masters students at Irish universities may obtain an ALCID card from their own library. This card will entitle you to use other academic libraries. See ALCID card section above for more information.

I am an undergraduate or diploma student

If you are an undergraduate or diploma student ask your own library for a Letter of Introduction to use UCD Library .

Bring the letter and your student card to the UCD Library Admission Desk. We provide a temporary Library card. The length of time this is valid for will vary depending on the time of year.

Your card must be processed by UCD Library on your first visit. Therefore ensure the James Joyce Library Admissions Desk or the service desk in the site library you are visiting is open the first time you visit.

If you are studying at a university outside Ireland you should ask your own library for a Letter of Introduction to use UCD Library.

• Bring the letter and your student card to the UCD Library Admission Desk
• We provide a temporary Library card allowing access our Library for up to two weeks.
• Your card must be processed by UCD Library on your first visit - therefore ensure the James Joyce Library Admissions Desk or the loans  desk in the site library you are visiting is open the first time you visit.

UCD Library is only open to Band A SCONUL Access card holders 

I have a Band A SCONUL Access card, what should I do to use UCD Library?

• Your SCONUL Access card must be processed by UCD Library on your first visit - therefore ensure the James Joyce Library Admissions Desk or the loans desk in the site library you are visiting is open the first time you visit.
• Bring the completed SCONUL application form to the UCD Library Admissions Desk, together with your SCONUL Access card and your University ID card.
• If your University ID card does not have a photograph you will also need to bring another form of photo ID, e.g. your passport or driving license.
• We will put a UCD barcode on your ALCID card which will grant you access to the Library.
• We will issue you with an access card for the day while we process your application
• Your card will be ready to be collected the next working day from the Information Desk, Level 1 in the James Joyce Library or the loans desk in the site library you are visiting.

How many books can I borrow?

• 6 general books for two weeks.
• 3 week loan books.

Fines are charged for items that are returned late.

Can I use your electronic resources from home?

No, access to our electronic resources is available from computers within UCD Library only.

Under the terms of our user licenses with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to external readers. Where available, these resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.

Schemes which allow reading access and borrowing access have been set up for staff of UCD Campus Companies.

NovaUCD and NIBRT Borrower

The scheme allows you to access our libraries, to borrow material, and to access online resources.

There is a fee of €100 for twelve months access and borrowing.

What do I do next?

• Print and complete the Nova and NIBRT borrower application form for NovaUCD and NIBRT borrowers.
• Send the completed form to Client Services, James Joyce Library, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.
• Your card will be returned via the internal UCD post and we will invoice NovaUCD or NIBRT.

NovaUCD and NIBRT Reader

This allows you to access the Library to consult with material. You may not borrow under this scheme.

There is a fee of €30.00 for twelve months access.

What do I do next?

• Print and complete the Nova/NIBRT reader application form for NovaUCD and NIBRT readers.
• Send the completed form to Client Services, James Joyce Library, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.
• Your card will be returned via the internal UCD post and we will invoice NovaUCD or NIBRT.

Can I borrow from UCD Library?

Yes, if you are doing research you may apply to become an external borrower in UCD Library. Each application is judged on its own merits. We regret that we cannot guarantee access to all applicants.

How much does it cost for 12 months borrowing and access?

• Registered non-profit organisation (one named researcher): €250. 
• Commercial company (per named researcher): €375.
• Commercial company (up to 3 named researchers): €1,000.

See our external borrower scheme guide for more information.

I don’t need to borrow any books, can I still get access to UCD Library?

Yes, you may apply to become an external reader in UCD Library,  if you are doing research. Each application is judged on its own merits.

We regret that:

• We cannot guarantee access to all applicants.
• Some library materials that are in high demand/on reading lists may not be available to external readers.
• Access for external readers to our libraries is not available from March to mid-May as our UCD students are preparing for examinations.

Can I use your electronic resources?

Under the terms of our user licences with publishers, some electronic resources are not available to external readers.

Where available, these resources may only be used for private study and research and not for commercial gain.

How much does it cost?

• Long term access (access valid until 28th February each year ) Non-UCD Graduate: €120
• June to August: €70
• September to November: €70
• December to February: €70
• March to May: €70
• Weekly access: €30
• Daily access: €15.

Is there anything else I need to know?

See our external reader scheme guide for more information.