Planning Your Visit
Using Research Collections
We welcome academics, students and independent researchers. We grant access to our special collections on the basis of a reader’s research interests. To use our rare books, manuscripts and other special collections, you will need a valid Library ID card. For staff and students, this is the Trinity College Dublin ID. For other readers - Trinity alumni, Library Link readers, students and staff from other universities and all other applicants - this is a special Library Visiting Reader card. Please note applying for a card does not guarantee availability of materials. Once you have contacted us to set up your visit, you can apply for the card here.
Research Collections material must be consulted in our Interim Research Collections Study Centre at the -2 level of the Ussher Library. The most direct route is from the Eavan Boland Library. Once you cross the security gates, descend the stairs in Iveagh Hall to the Orientation Space or take the lift. Continue to the Ussher Library and descend the stairs or take the lift to level -2 of the Ussher Library. For further details of its location see the 3D Floorplan.
Please review our Rules and Procedures to help plan your visit.
Requesting Research Collections Material
Due to the Old Library Redevelopment Project, most of our collections are currently held offsite. Most printed items arrive in two days, but please be advised items held in external storage may take several days to arrive. Manuscripts and archives require more time, described below.
Items may be restricted due to their materiality, condition, or copyright and privacy laws. Items may require special permission or may have a time limit for consultation. Exhibition items are not available to consult.
You may be required to wear gloves, which we will provide. We will offer careful handling instruction where necessary.
Requesting Manuscripts & Archives
Readers must book at least one week in advance to access manuscripts and archives. Please fill in this form to request an appointment. We will confirm with suitable dates for your visit.
Please know in advance what you hope to consult. Search the online catalogue for MS reference numbers. If you cannot locate the item in the catalogue, contact us at rescoll@tcd.ie.
If you are reading vellum/parchment, please be prepared for a higher humidity micro enclosure. These materials are not available to consult in the evening or on Saturdays.
If you need to cancel your appointment at short notice or need any further clarification before arrival, please ring 01 8961544 or e-mail mscripts@tcd.ie, and include staff with whom you were in direct communication regarding the visit.
Requesting Early Printed Books and Special Collections
Readers can order material online via the Library Catalogue or, where prompted, by submitting green call slips at any of the Library Service Desks.
Readers are not required to arrange a booking to view the requested material, however some catalogue records require you to contact epbooks@tcd.ie to arrange access.
You are limited to five reserve items. You may keep items on reserve if you need multiple visits to complete your consultation. Any held items not consulted will be returned after one week, unless you contact us to make special arrangements, extensions or larger research requests at epbooks@tcd.ie.