History of the Library
The Library’s history dates back to the establishment of the College in 1592 and it is the largest library in Ireland.
Today it has over 6 million printed volumes with extensive collections of journals, manuscripts, maps and music reflecting over 400 years of academic development. The most famous of its manuscripts, the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, were presented by Henry Jones, Bishop of Meath and former vice-chancellor of the University, in the 1660s. Other special collections include the Ussher Collection acquired in 1661 and the Fagel Collection of 1802.
The Library was endowed with Legal Deposit privilege in 1801 and continues to receive copies of material published in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Library supports the learning and research needs across all disciplines of the College; it is a major research library of international repute; it provides services to a wide range of external users and institutions; it contributes to the development of creative initiatives in information provision and its exhibitions of manuscripts and other treasures attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to visit the Old Library each year.
Although an institution of great antiquity, the Library pioneers modern methods of resource discovery and developments in the teaching, learning and research processes.
Ussher Library Time Capsule
Inventory of items buried under the orientation slab. The Capsule itself is backfilled with Argon gas, all bolts torqued to 20 ft/lb and sealed around flange with silicone.
- Celtic decoration kit - in wooden box
- Scarf with Book of Kells design
- Tee shirt "Colum Cille the Scribe" image
- Bone china coffee mug by Royal Tara with Book of Kells design
- Plated tea spoon with Trinity College Coat of Arms
- Five posters from recent Long Room and Colonnades exhibitions
- Mug with Trinity College Library illustrated
- Celtic keyring, depicting letter "J"
- Note pad with Long Room stacks on cover
- Book mark showing contemporary Celtic design based on original
- Two Book of Kells pencil erasers
- Two pencils - Trinity College Library and Book of Kells
- Clutch Pencil and refills
- Pencil sharpener - Book of Kells
- Pack of playing cards with image of Front Square
- Compact Disc - The Corrs, a contemporary popular Irish group
- Bone folder used in the Library Conservation department
- Five plastic paper clips
- Fragment of carving from top of Long Room shelf column
- Long Room Library Guards tie
- Floppy Disc - Library Staff Newsletter
- CD-ROM - Computing in the 21st Century
- CD-ROM - 18th Century Short Title Catalogue
- Zip Disc - Library Web pages
- Admission ticket - Book of Kells
- Silence Notice
- Call Slip - Berkeley Library
- Library Declaration and Research Floor information sheet
- Trinity College Library Guide
- Friends of the Library - List of Members for 1999
- Friends of the Library - Leaflet and compliments slip
- College Publications:
- Friends of the Library Newsletter
- Library News
- Trinity College Library Staff Bulletin
- Trinity Today
- Trinity College Library Annual Report 1997/98
- Bottle of wine from Senior Common Room cellar
- Mobile phone
- Student Newspaper - The University Record
February 2000