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Plan your Library visit: Research Collections

For operational updates on the Old Library Redevelopment Project, please see our Old Library Redevelopment Project: Updates for Readers LibGuide.

Plan Your Visit

New Interim Research Collections Study Centre:

The Departments of Early Printed Books and Manuscripts & Archives operate a joint Research Collections Study Centre in the basement of the Ussher Library and offer access to current TCD staff and students as well as external researchers. The joint Reading Room in the East Pavilion of the Old Library is now closed.

Directions:

The most direct route is from the Library (former Berkeley Library), enter the Iveagh Hall of the Library and descend the stairs to the Orientation Space or take the lift. Continue to the Ussher Library and descend the stairs or take the lift to basement of the Ussher Library.

For further details of its location see the 3D Floorplan.

Our term-time opening hours are 10am - 4pm (Monday, Thursday and Friday), 10am - 8pm (Tuesday and Wednesday), 10am - 1pm (Saturday).

 

 

 

Information for researchers wishing to consult Manuscripts & Archives holdings

Please email mscripts@tcd.ie with the following details:

  • What material you would like to consult. Please include relevant information such as name of collection, title of the work and MS reference number.
  • Your contact details, including your mobile phone number.
  • If you have a preference for a morning or afternoon appointment.
  • Please note that requests for holdings from the Manuscripts & Archives department must be made at least one week in advance. 
  • If you need to cancel the appointment at short notice or need any further clarification before arrival please ring 01 8961172.
  • Please note: Access to many of the onsite Manuscript and Archive Collections is currently severely restricted.

Information for researchers wishing to consult Early Printed Books material

  • Readers can order material online via the main library catalogue or, where prompted, by submitting dockets at any of the library counters.
  • Readers are no longer required to arrange a booking to view the requested material.
  • External researchers will need to email epbooks@tcd.ie in advance to arrange access.

In preparation for your visit please read the following guidelines

  • We ask that you wash your hands before arriving at the joint Research Collections Study Centre.
  • You may be required to wear gloves when handling certain items from the collections.
  • Any reader who intentionally disregards these instructions may be asked to leave. 
  • Please bring your own equipment such as pencils, paper, ruler, magnifying glass. 
  • Please also note that we may experience events that may limit our ability to maintain this service and it is advisable to check the Library webpage for regular updates. We will email or phone readers consulting Manuscripts & Archives holdings if this happens, and you have already booked an appointment.