Visiting Other Libraries
Contact Us
phone: +353 (0)1 716 7627
email: libraryinfo@ucd.ie
If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.
What do I need to do?
- Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
- Provide details of the author/ title(s) you want to consult.
- Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
- A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.
Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.
If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a library card to access other academic libraries. This card is called a Library Link card (formerly the ALCID card).
Alternatively we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.
| Use Library Link cards | to access Libraries in higher education institutions in Ireland, including TCD, but without borrowing entitlements. |
| Use Letters of Introduction | to access many other libraries worldwide. They are only valid for a short period of time and do not include borrowing entitlements. |
Applying for a Library Link card
Library Link (formerly the ALCID scheme) is a co-operative scheme between Irish university libraries, and allows postgraduate students (Doctoral, Masters by research and by exam) to access other libraries and their collections. These cards are not available to undergraduate and H.Dip. students.
- An application form is available from the service desk in the Library or you can apply online and opt to collect your card or have it posted to you..
- Cards cannot be issued if there are any fines on your account.
- We will issue you with your card, which you will need to sign.
- Always bring your UCD student card with you as well when using your Library Link card.
Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
Your Library Link card provides access to these libraries:
- Dublin City University
- Technological University Dublin
- Mary Immaculate College
- Maynooth University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Royal Irish Academy
- Royal Irish Academy of Music
- Trinity College, Dublin
- University College, Cork
- University College, Dublin
- University of Limerick
- University of Galway
- Ulster University
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
- National College of Art & Design
Letter of Introduction
What do I need to do?
- Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
- Provide details of the author/title(s) you want to consult.
- You can check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
- A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.
Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.
If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a library card to access other academic libraries. There are two cards available: a Library Link card (formerly the ALCID card) and SCONUL Access card.
Alternatively we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.
| Use Library Link cards | to access Libraries in higher education institutions in Ireland, including TCD, but without borrowing entitlements. |
| Use SCONUL access membership | to access and borrow from over 170 academic libraries in Ireland and the UK (excluding TCD). |
| Use Letters of Introduction | to access many other libraries worldwide. They are only valid for a short period of time and do not include borrowing entitlements. |
Applying for a Library Link card
Library Link (formerly the ALCID card) is a co-operative scheme between Irish university libraries, that allows academic staff access other libraries and their collections.
- An application form is available from the service desk in the Library or you can apply online and opt to collect your card or have it posted to you.
- Cards cannot be issued if you have any fines on your account.
- We will issue you with your card, which you will need to sign.
- Always bring your UCD staff card with you as well when using your Library Link card.
Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
Your Library Link card provides access to these libraries:
- Dublin City University
- Technological University Dublin
- Mary Immaculate College
- Maynooth University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Royal Irish Academy
- Royal Irish Academy of Music
- Trinity College, Dublin
- University College, Cork
- University College, Dublin
- University of Limerick
- University of Galway
- Ulster University
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
- National College of Art & Design
Applying for a SCONUL Access card
SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) Access is a co-operative borrowing scheme which allows you to borrow in over 170 academic libraries in the UK and Ireland. This scheme does not include Trinity College Dublin.
- Applications to join the scheme cannot be accepted if there are any fines or overdue books on your account.
- To join the scheme:
- visit the SCONUL website www.sconul.ac.uk and click on SCONUL Access.
- Select what kind of user you are and the name of your home institution from the dropdown menus (note: UCD is filled under ‘D’).
- Click on the ‘find’ button for a list of potential host libraries which will appear both as a map and a list.
- Select which institution you wish to visit. This will take you to an online registration form for the SCONUL Access scheme.
- Fill in the registration form using your UCD email address and student number. Your application will then be submitted to UCD Library for approval.
- Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email containing information about the scheme.
- When visiting another Library:
- Present a copy of the email confirming your acceptance onto the scheme along with your UCD staff card.
- Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on their website.
- We advise you to check the access regulations and other relevant information before you travel.
- Take care of the items you borrow, you are responsible for replacing them if they get lost or damaged.
Letter of Introduction
What do I need to do?
- Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
- Provide details of the author/title(s) you want to consult.
- You can check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
- A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.
Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.
If UCD Library does not hold the item you are looking for, we can provide you with a library card to access other academic libraries. There are two cards available: a Library Link card (formerly the ALCID card) and SCONUL Access membership.
Alternatively we can provide you with a Letter of Introduction to visit another library.
| Use Library Link cards | to access Libraries in higher education institutions in Ireland, including TCD, but without borrowing entitlements. |
| Use SCONUL access membership | to access and borrow from over 170 academic libraries in Ireland and the UK (excluding TCD). |
| Use Letters of Introduction | to access many other libraries worldwide. They are only valid for a short period of time and do not include borrowing entitlements. |
Applying for a Library Link card
Library Link (formerly ALCID) is a co-operative scheme between Irish university libraries, and allows postgraduate students (Doctoral, Masters by research and by exam) to access other libraries and their collections. These cards are not available to undergraduate and H.Dip. students.
- An application form is available from the service desk in the Library or you can apply online and opt to collect your card or have it posted to you.
- Cards cannot be issued if there are any fines on your account.
- We will issue you with your card, which you will need to sign.
- Always bring your UCD student card with you as well when using your Library Link card.
Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
Your Library Link card provides access to these libraries:
- Dublin City University
- Technological University Dublin
- Mary Immaculate College
- Maynooth University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Royal Irish Academy
- Royal Irish Academy of Music
- Trinity College, Dublin
- University College, Cork
- University College, Dublin
- University of Limerick
- University of Galway
- Ulster University
- Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
- National College of Art & Design
Applying for a SCONUL Access card
SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) Access is a co-operative borrowing scheme which allows you to borrow in over 170 academic libraries in the UK and Ireland. This scheme does not include Trinity College Dublin.
To join the scheme:
- visit the SCONUL website www.sconul.ac.uk and click on SCONUL Access.
- Select what kind of user you are and the name of your home institution from the dropdown menus (note: UCD is filled under ‘D’).
- Click on the ‘find’ button for a list of potential host libraries which will appear both as a map and a list.
- Select which institution you wish to visit. This will take you to an online registration form for the SCONUL Access scheme.
- Fill in the registration form using your UCD email address and student number. Your application will then be submitted to UCD Library for approval.
- Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email containing information about the scheme.
When visiting another Library:
- Present a copy of the email confirming your acceptance onto the scheme along with your UCD staff card.
- Check the opening hours of the library you want to visit on their website.
- We advise you to check the access regulations and other relevant information before you travel.
- Take care of the items you borrow, you are responsible for replacing them if they get lost or damaged.
Letter of Introduction
What do I need to do?
- Apply for a Letter of Introduction - application forms available at the service desk in the Library.
- Provide details of the author/title(s) you want to consult.
- You can check the opening hours of the library you want to visit.
- A new Letter of Introduction is required each time you visit a library.
Letters of Introduction allow you to visit another library, but not to borrow items from that library.
