Level 4 and part of Level 2 are now open. Full self-service access to collections has been restored. Thank you for your patience.

Planned disruption to library services from 19 May - 1 September

Renovation works continue in the James Joyce Library, building upon the successful refurbishment of Level 3. The next phase of work addresses Level 2 and the creation of a new Cultural Heritage Centre on Level 1. During the quieter summer period a number of disruptive projects including a major collection move have taken place. Works began on Monday 19th May and will finish by 1st September, enabling us to fully restore all Library services in time for the new academic year.

Update – 14 July 2025

We are pleased to announce that:

• Level 4 is now open and self service access to collections has been restored.
• Level 2 is now partially open with self service access to collections restored.

Please take note of the following important changes which may impact your next visit:

• Some bookshelves and collections have been relocated. Dewey Decimal Sequence 800-999 are now in a new location on Level 2 (see floor plan).
• The Short Loan Collection has been interfiled with the main collection. Books available for Short Loan are marked with red tape on the spine.
• Printing and PC facilities are unavailable on Level 2 until further notice.
• Work is still ongoing in designated areas of Level 2 and library users are encouraged to use quieter study spaces on Levels 3 and 4. Noise cancelling headphones are available to borrow.
• The Hub 2 space on Level 1 remains closed.
• The Postgraduate Research Centre remains in its temporary location on Level 3 (see map below). Reserve your space via the Booking System.

The Library team will be on hand responding to any queries or concerns, and ensuring that core library services are maintained. Queries can be directed to libraryinfo@ucd.ie.

The completion of these works over the summer period enables library staff to continue to deliver a high quality library service during the teaching terms. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of disruption and look forward to improving the Library experience for all through our ongoing redevelopment project.

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 working on 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 also aims to create a new Cultural Heritage Centre on Level 1, bringing together the world-class Cultural Heritage repositories, namely 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.

Temporary location of Postgraduate Research Centre (PRC)