There are over 3,100 study spaces across the Library's physical estate. These study spaces are generally available on a 'first come, first served' basis, but during periods of peak demand (particularly in the run up to exams) they can come under intense pressure. To address this issue, and to ensure that all readers have a reasonable opportunity to find a suitable study space, the Library will be launching a Study Space Campaign on Wednesday 30 October that will run through to the main exam period in December. 

The study space campaign is based on the following seating policy:

Readers are not permitted to reserve study spaces by leaving their belongings or books on seats and desks. Library staff may remove belongings or books left unattended for more than 60 minutes at any study space, except for officially reserved carrels.

To enforce this policy, a dedicated steward team will patrol Library reading rooms from the 30 October onwards to free up study spaces that have been unoccupied for more than 60 minutes. The team will operate using the following procedure:

  • Leaflets will be left at study spaces observed to be unattended. The leaflets will indicate the time at which the study space was observed to be unoccupied and the time at which it will be cleared should the reader fail to return within the allotted 60-minute period.
  • Any books and belongings left at the study space will be cleared to a box and moved to a designated storage area on the same floor. This includes laptops and other portable devices, so readers are strongly advised to back-up all work regularly.
  • The information on each leaflet will also be recorded on separate clipboard sheets to ensure transparency.

The Library Study Space Campaign relies on the cooperation of all readers. We ask that you support the study space team to ensure a level playing field for those who come to the Library to study and prepare for exams. You can assist us by not leaving laptops, phones, USB drives or any other valuables unattended for any length of time and by sticking to the 60-minute rule.

The Library shall not be held responsible for damaged or stolen belongings.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at: library@tcd.ie