Frequently Answered Questions
How do I...
Get information about my subject?
The best place to start is to consult your library Subject Page. This page will direct you to best library resources for your subject.
Find out if you have the books and journals that I need?
To find books, search the library catalogue. To find journals (print and online) search our A-Z of journals.
Find material in the library?
Every item in the library is given a number (called Shelfmark) and put on a shelf in numerical order. When you find an item on the catalogue, note the shelfmark and go to the shelves to retrieve the material. The library is divided into Subject Floors. On the first floor we have Main Lending books and print journals in the Humanities, Business, Education and Social Sciences. On the second floor, you will find Main Lending books and print journals in Engineering and Science. High demand books are shelved in our Short Loan Collection on the ground floor, beside the Issue Desk. Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias, Government Publications and other Reference material is also on the ground floor.
Use electronic resources?
On our A-Z of databases, alongside the names of our most popular databases, you will find a guide to using the databases. In some cases, you will also be able to view how to conduct a sample search. The Library’s online tutorial LETS is the best place to start if you are new to using electronic resources. All the information you will need is in LETS module 2 – LETS Find.
Access e-journals and databases off-campus?
Once you have your network username and password, you will be able to access our electronic resources off-campus. Click here for more information and a troubleshooting sheet.
Get access to a book or journal not held in DCU library?
The Library can arrange access to other academic libraries in Ireland. For staff and research students, you can avail of our inter-library loans service.
Find e-books?
The Library provides access to over 5,000 e-books. Click here for more information.
