UCD Library Development Project - Phase 2
UCD Library is currently preparing for the second phase of redevelopment of the James Joyce Library which will deliver:
- A new Cultural Heritage Centre on Level 1 of the James Joyce Library, bringing together UCD’s world-class Cultural Heritage repositories, the National Folklore Collection, UCD Archives, and Special Collections.
- Enhanced and increased study spaces and facilities on Level 2 of the James Joyce Library, alongside our extensive open book stacks and with new features such as a digital content suite and individual sensory study rooms.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, subject to a successful tender process and all required approvals. The Library will do everything possible to minimise disruption, however impacts on services and spaces will be inevitable during the works.
Service updates and zoned closures will be published on this webpage and on Library social media channels. Regular bulletins will be shared with Heads of Schools to be circulated to faculty. Students will be given advance notice via the student e-zine, social media and onsite signage.
Queries may be directed to libraryinfo@ucd.ie. Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for the second phase of the library redevelopment.
Collections
Collections were moved across the James Joyce Library to facilitate renovation works beginning in 2026, with the ultimate goal of achieving a logical Dewey-based sequence across Level 4 (Dewey 000-399) and Level 2 (Dewey 400-999). By consolidating the collections on Level 2 into a single area, we will be able to carry out construction in other areas whilst maintaining open access to the book stacks as far as possible.
Summary of changes:
- Please note this significant change to our collections. The Short Loan Collection, previously on Level 1, has now been permanently merged with the main collection on Levels 2 and 4. To identify these books, please look for the red tape on the spine. They are still only borrowable for 7 days.
- Dewey shelfmarks 800–999 have been moved to a new location on Level 2 (see Level 2 floor plan).
- Reference Books are interfiled with the main collection, marked with white tape and for library use only. Exception: Reference books 800–999 are at the end of the 900s.
- Microfiche is now available on request through OneSearch.
- History Source Materials are now available on request through OneSearch.
Study Spaces
- Group Study Rooms on Level 2 have been decommissioned and replaced with temporary Group Study Booths to support collaboration while we prepare for new, enhanced group study facilities. All Library users continue to have access to Group Study Rooms in the Health Sciences Library and Veterinary Medicine Library.
- The Postgraduate Research Centre was temporarily relocated but has now returned to its usual location on Level 2.
- The lift on Level 1 now offers improved accessibility. Following the removal of an access-controlled door, users can now access all library floors without requiring a code or staff intervention.
- Self-check out kiosks are now available on Level 2.
- Desks on Level 2 have been relocated across the floor.
Cultural Heritage
- UCD Archives now shares a Reading Room with Special Collections on Level 1.
- Work has begun to relocate the Irish Dialect Archive.
About the project
UCD Library and UCD Estate Services are working together on the redevelopment of the James Joyce Library building in the most ambitious project since the Library was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. The project is designed to meet the 21st century needs of students and researchers. We are planning the redevelopment of the James Joyce Library in phases, and we will remain open throughout, continuing to provide vital services for UCD students and staff.
In 2023 we completed the first phase which included the refurbishment of Level 3, an award-winning project that delivered 535 formal and informal student learning spaces in a contemporary and inclusive design that responded to student feedback. We are currently preparing for the second phase which aims to transform Level 2 and deliver increased and enhanced student study spaces alongside our extensive open book stacks and with new features such as a digital content suite and individual sensory study rooms.
Phase 2 will also create a new Cultural Heritage Centre on Level 1, bringing together the world-class Cultural Heritage repositories, the National Folklore Collection, UCD Archives, and Special Collections. Our goal is to enhance the student experience, support and enable research, and create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
