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 Eavan Boland Library, enter the Iveagh Hall of the Eavan Boland 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 - 12.45pm (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 and the nature of your research. This information will assist us to maximise your research trip.
- 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 8961544 or email mscripts@tcd.ie, and include the staff member with whom you were in direct communication with regarding the visit.
- Please be advised that restrictions are in place regarding access to certain manuscript collections. i.e. consultation of vellum and other manuscript formats during evening opening hours.
- Some restrictions may apply to certain collections due to the items' materiality or copyright protections.
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 not 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 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 readers consulting Manuscripts & Archives holdings if this happens, and you have already booked an appointment.
