FAQs
1. Where is the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
2. Who may read in the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
All bone fide readers, aged 18 years and over, may apply to read here. See Admissions under Planning Your Research Visit.
3. Are the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library catalogues available online?
Not yet. See the Catalogues page for details of printed catalogues.
4. Do I need to make an appointment to read in the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
Yes. This is to ensure that we have the material you require and that it may be made available on the day of your intended visit.
5. What identification do I need to gain admission to the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
This varies depending on whether you are an internal or external student, a member of the public or faculty. See Planning Your Research Visit.
6. What are the opening times of the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
See Opening Hours.
7. May I borrow manuscripts material?
No. This material may only be consulted in the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library.
8. May I consult manuscripts or archives material on the day of my visit?
There is one daily collection of manuscripts (weekdays) at 11:00. See Planning Your Research Visit.
9. May manuscripts and archives material be consulted on Saturday?
Material for use on Saturday must be ordered in advance during the previous week.
10. May I order manuscripts or archives material by telephone or e-mail?
Yes, but you must provide the exact reference numbers. See Planning Your Research Visit.
11. Will the material be held over for another day?
Yes, if you advise the staff of your intention to return.
12. Can I consult any manuscripts collections online?
None of the collections may be currently viewed online. See the Collections section.
13. Do I need to order printed books in advance for use in the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
Some printed material needs to be ordered in advance, for example those with a reference prefix "MSL". See Planning Your Research Visit.
14. Is the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library accessible to readers with mobility issues?
Because of the historic nature of the building there may be access issues. See Planning Your Research Visit.
15. Is there a member of staff who will guide my research?
The staff will be happy to guide you through the catalogues. See the Services page.
16. May I take photographs of material in the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library Reading Room?
No. Self-service photography is not permitted. See Services for alternatives.
17. May I photocopy manuscripts or archives material?
This material may not be photocopied. See the Services page.
18. How do I order a photograph from a manuscript?
See the Digital Resources and Imaging Services section.
19. How do I get permission to publish material from the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library?
You should contact us for permission. See the Services page.
20. Are there copyright issues in relation to unpublished materials?
Unpublished material remains in copyright until 70 years after the death of its author. See the Services page.
21. What procedure do I follow if I want to transfer College or student society records to the College Archives?
See the Services page for details of adding to the College Archives.
22. Who do I contact if I have a historical document which the Library may wish to acquire?
The Library continues to add to its research collection. See the Collections section.
23. Are there any restrictions in place regarding consultation of manuscripts and archives material?
There are some restrictions arising from security, data protection or handling issues. See Planning Your Research Visit.
24. How do I research my ancestors who attended Trinity College Dublin?
See the Genealogy page.
25. May I reserve a place in the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library Reading Room?
Places may not be reserved. See Planning Your Research Visit.
26. Do I have to wear gloves for handling manuscripts and archives material?
Not usually, but gloves are provided for handling skin manuscripts and some of the historical objects.
27. May I use a laptop computer?
Yes. See Computing and Wi-Fi for details. Otherwise pencils only may be used for making notes.