Using other Libraries
If you cannot find all the material you need for your research here in DCU library, and you have found that it is available in another library, or think it may be, there are various ways in which you can access the material outside of DCU Library.
ALCID Cards (Staff and Postgraduate Degree Students)
SCONUL Access (Staff and Research Students)
DCU Linked Colleges (Staff and Students)
Letters of Introduction (Staff and Students)
ALCID
DCU library is a member of the ALCID scheme, which is a co-operative arrangement between a number of Academic Libraries in Ireland. It allows access to the collections of participating libraries on production of an ALCID membership card. The card is available to full-time academics, academic–related staff and registered students reading for postgraduate degrees. It is not available to undergraduates or students studying for a postgraduate diploma. To apply for the card, simply come to the Information Desk with your DCU ID card or fill in, sign and send us the online application form. Membership is for one academic year, commencing in October. Borrowing is not possible under this scheme. It is important to note that you should always bring your DCU ID card with you and that you will be subject to the regulations of the member libraries you visit.
Participating libraries:
All Hallows College; Dublin City University; Dublin Institute of Technology;
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies; Mary Immaculate College, Limerick;
Mater Dei Institute; National College of Art & Design; NUI Galway; NUI Maynooth;
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Royal Irish Academy; St. Angela's College, Sligo;
St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra; Trinity College Dublin; University College, Dublin;
University College Cork; University of Limerick.
SCONUL Access
SCONUL Access is a reciprocal access scheme giving borrowing privileges to certain
library users working or studying at
participating higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland.
In DCU, staff and research students may apply for SCONUL Access cards. Taught postgraduate students
and undergraduates are not eligible. DCU library offers borrowing to visiting staff and research
students under the scheme.
To apply for the card, download the
application form and take the completed form to the Information Desk.
If you are eligible for the scheme, you will receive a SCONUL Access card.
Full instructions on joining the scheme are on the
SCONUL Access website.
To use your SCONUL Access card, check first that the library you wish to visit is one of
the participating libraries. Take your SCONUL Access card and your DCU ID card with you.
You will then need to apply for a membership card in the institution you wish to borrow from.
Please note that you will be personally responsible for the care and return of all material
that you borrow, and for any fines you may incur for overdue return.
DCU Linked Colleges
St Patrick's College, Drumcondra
- DCU Staff
A pilot reciprocal borrowing scheme for the staff of both DCU and St Patrick's College, Drumcondra is in place. This allows borrowing between staff of the two institutions. To gain access to St Patrick’s College Library and to borrow books you will need your DCU ID card. You may borrow up to 5 books from their Main Lending/Junior Collections and 1 Three-Hour Loan/Thesis at any one time.
Books borrowed from St Patrick’s College Library will be for a 3 week loan period only. There is no semester borrowing. The books can be renewed twice subsequently.
Books borrowed from St Patrick’s College Library must be returned to St Patrick’s College Library by the borrower. Books will not be accepted if returned to DCU Library While using St Patrick’s College Library, please note you are subject to their rules and regulations. - DCU Students
Students from DCU may have access to St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra library on production of a current DCU ID card. Access is possible to consult material only – it is not possible for students to borrow. While using St Patrick’s College Library, please note you are subject to their rules and regulations.
Mater Dei Institute of Education / All Hallows College
Mater Dei Institute of Education and All Hallows College are colleges of Dublin City University.
Staff and students from DCU may have access to the libraries of these colleges on production
of a current DCU ID card. Access is possible to consult material only – it is not possible to borrow.
While using Mater Dei Institute of Education or All Hallows College libraries, please note you are subject to
their rules and regulations.
Letters of Introduction
DCU undergraduates may apply for a letter of introduction to another Irish academic library if, having searched the DCU library catalogue, you find that we do not have material you require. The letters are issued from the Information Desk, are valid for one visit to one specified library, and must give the date of the visit and specify what material is to be consulted. If you have no fines or overdue books, your letter will be issued on the spot.
