What to expect during the Spring Trimester:

• The “Hub 2” space on Level 1 will be closed from January to facilitate enabling works for the construction of a new Cultural Heritage Centre in the Summer Trimester.
• Seating from Hub 2 will be redistributed across the library.
• The group study room in Hub 2 (Room 147) will be unavailable.
• Level 2 will remain as is.
• While we are doing our best to avoid major disruptions, please expect some background noise as contractors prepare the space.

What to expect during Summer Trimester:

• A significant part of Level 2 will be closed after the end of Spring Trimester exams.
• Full self-service access to collections on the open book stacks (on Levels 2 and 4) will remain.
• The Postgraduate Research Centre on Level 2 will be temporarily relocated to Level 3 until works on the new Postgraduate Rooms are completed.
• Individual Study Rooms on Level 2 will no longer be available. Individual Study Rooms on Level 4 can be booked here. 
• The Zoom rooms on Level 2 will be inaccessible. Zoom rooms on Level 3 can be accessed as normal.
• The multifaith room on Level 2 will be inaccessible as we develop a new and improved space. You can find alternatives listed here.

Thank you for your patience as we begin the next phase of redevelopment work to improve the James Joyce Library for all users. Our team will be on hand responding to any queries or concerns throughout the project. General queries may be directed to libraryinfo@ucd.ie.

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.