Research Collections: Rules & Procedures

Source: https://libguides.tcd.ie/research-collections/rules-procedures Parent: https://www.tcd.ie/library/

Updates

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

Before you arrive

• We ask that you wash your hands before arriving at the Research Collections Study Centre. Toilets are not close to hand - they are located in the atrium space where you crossed before entering the Ussher Library.
• Bags, laptop cases and jackets must be stowed outside the Study Centre.
• No food or drinks, including gum and water, are allowed in the Study Centre.
• Please use a pencil, we can provide one for you. No ink, highlighters, tape or scissors are allowed.
• You may be required to wear gloves when handling certain items from the collections. We will offer handling instructions where necessary.

Devices and Wi-Fi connectivity

• Please silence all laptops and devices.
• There is no public Wi-Fi available. Academics, please enroll in Eduroam with your home institution before you visit. Other visiting readers should be prepared to save your work to your device, as your phone’s mobile hotspot may not work in our Study Centre.
• Self-service photography without flash on your phone or camera may be possible, check with staff to verify. Items may be restricted due to copyright, privacy, or other reasons. Any images taken are for personal research only. Publishing and public use of images requires permission through Imaging Services - The Library of Trinity College Dublin - Trinity College Dublin
• We have specialist equipment available, including ultra-violet torches, magnifiers, a portable light sheet and a digital micrometer.

Requesting Appointments and Materials

• We grant access to our special collections on the basis of a reader’s research interests. If the item has been digitised, requests to view the physical item are unlikely to be granted.
• No more than two people may visit together. All readers need a reader’s card.
• Requests for materials from the Manuscripts & Archives department must be made at least one week in advance. You must fill out the booking form for an appointment. We will reply and confirm dates for your visit
• If you need to cancel your appointment at short notice or need any further clarification before arrival, please ring 01 8961544 or email rescoll@tcd.ie, and include the staff member with whom you were in direct communication with regarding the visit.
• While the majority of our holdings should be ordered in advance, you do not need to make an appointment to consult Early Printed Books. Some catalogue records require you to contact rescoll@tcd.ie to arrange access.
• Items located and consulted in Research Collections can only be read in the Study Centre. You may keep items on reserve if you need multiple visits to complete your consultation. There is a reserve limit of five EPB items unless you arrange otherwise with epbooks@tcd.ie.
• Unforeseen closures and disturbances may hinder our ability to maintain this service. 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.
• In the event of a fire alarm, leave personal and library material behind. Staff will direct you to safety.
• Any reader who intentionally disregards these instructions may be asked to leave.