FAQs
Where is the Department of Early Printed Books?
See directions and floorplan here.
Who can use the Department of Early Printed Books?
Anyone who fulfills the requirements for admissions to Trinity College Library Dublin, including visting readers.
Why do some modern books have to be read in the Department of Early Printed Books?
The full title of the department is the Department of Early Printed Books and Special Collections. This includes Anglo-Irish literature, limited editions, private press books and valuable pamphlets, amongst other items. For example, modern works received via legal deposit are archived in EPB.
Where are the nearest bathroom facilities?
Beside the main entrance of the Berkeley Library.
Do I have to wear gloves?
No, as this makes it very difficult to turn pages without tearing them. However, readers are asked to use the book supports provided. Strips of weights are available to keep the books open so as to minimise the amount of handling.
Can I take a book away and photocopy it?
No. Anything which has to be read in Department of Early Printed Books must not be taken out of the reading room.
Readers should note that many general works on Irish history may also be available in other areas of the Library with photocopying facilities.
Scanning, which does the book less damage than a regular photocopier, can usually be arranged via the copying service.
How long does scanning take?
Scanning is done once a day. Although every effort is made to fill requests as quickly as possible it can take several days at busy times.
May I use my digital camera?
Yes, without a flash, if the item is out of copyright and if Library staff judge that no harm will come to the book and that there will be minimum disruption to the rest of the reading room.
A separate request must be made for each volume readers wish to photograph.
When will my book be delivered?
If you submit a call slip in the EPB reading room before 3:30 pm for a book in EPB Stacks, it should be delivered within an hour and a half (subject to staff availability - please allow plenty of time for your items to arrive, especially when you are working against a deadline). If the call slip is submitted at the BLU, it will take longer. We have 2 deliveries a day (Mon. - Fri.) from Santry (except during the summer, when there is only one). There is a very restricted Stack service to EPB on Saturdays.
Does it make any difference where I submit my call slips?
Yes. Call slips submitted in the EPB Reading Room can be tracked there, including when the item was ordered and delivered. Readers who wish to ensure notes of book requests are kept in EPB should submit call slips in EPB. However, if the item is in Santry and it is close to a "last collection" time, it may be faster to submit the call slip at the BLU. Anything requested on a green call slip will be delivered to EPB regardless of where the call slip was submitted.
How long do you keep Stack books for readers?
Once the book is in use, we note the date it was last consulted and keep it for two weeks from that date unless the reader says they have finished with it. We can keep it for longer if you make arrangements with the staff.
Can I request books online before I come in to the Library?
Not yet. ASR (automated stack requests) has not yet been turned on for EPB, but it is envisaged in the not-too-distant future.
I have an old book. Can you tell me how much it is worth?
No. We do not do valuations, but can give you the names of some ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association) members in Ireland. Remember that condition and indications of previous ownership affect value as well as the age and author of the book and factors such as limited editions.