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DCU Library

Borrow, Return, Renew and Request

DCU Library - Borrow
Manage your DCU Library account efficiently. Discover how to borrow and return physical items, renew your active loans online, and access the closed-stack Request Collection.
Shows graphic icon illustrating a book - text reads Borrow

How to borrow from DCU Library:

  • Bring the book to a self-service machine found in any of our three libraries.
  • Press Borrow and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Always print or email an issue receipt to view the due date of when the loan is to be returned to the library.
  • There are no fines for overdue books but there is a replacement fee for lost books. Please see the note below on unreturned materials and the standard replacement charge.
  • Please note 
    • You must have your DCU ID card to borrow from DCU Library.
    • One week loan items are labelled with a white tape. These can also be renewed up to three times.

Tip: Sign in to My Library Account online to check the due date of each item you have on loan.

For information on how many books you can borrow and for how long, check the borrowing entitlements section  

Unreturned Material: Standard Replacement Charge

If a book is 30 days overdue, it’s considered lost and a €50 replacement fee is added to your account.

You will receive an invoice by email or post, and you won’t be able to borrow or renew anything until the issue is addressed.

You are responsible for everything on your account until it’s returned and checked in.

If a book is lost, damaged, or more than 30 days overdue, the replacement fee applies.

Terms and Conditions
  • If replacing an item costs more than €50, the fee may be higher.
  • You can provide your own replacement copy (same or newer edition, good condition) instead of paying the fee.
  • Invoices go to your DCU student email and/or home address.
  • Once overdue items are returned, standard loan fees are removed. You can return items to any DCU library.
DVD Player Loan Service
  • Available in O’Reilly and Cregan Libraries at the help desk.
  • Includes DVD player, headphones, and plug.
  • For in‑library use only, up to three hours.
  • Available Monday–Saturday (not during study‑only hours).
  • Cannot be renewed, reserved, or taken out of the library.
  • Return to the help desk when your three‑hour slot is up.
Shows graphic icon of a person using a self-service machine - text overlaid reads 'Return'

How to return books to DCU Library

  • Bring the book to a self service machine found on the ground floor in the library.
  • Press 'Return' and follow the onscreen instructions.
  • Some books can’t be returned using the machines — for example:
    • Books that have been requested by another student
    • Books that belong to a different DCU library
  • If that happens, just return them to the help desk or use the Book Return Facility outside staff hours.
  • Always print or email your return receipt so you have proof that the book was checked in.

An external Book Return Facility is also located outside the O’Reilly Library and books can be returned here at any time. 

Alternatively, books can be returned via registered post to their home library. The sender is deemed responsible for library items until received back by library staff and removed from the account.

To avoid borrowing restrictions, all loans must be returned to any DCU Library on or before the due date.

Please not the following: 

  • There are no overdue fines, but you won’t be able to borrow or renew anything until all overdue items are returned.

  • It’s your responsibility to keep track of due dates and return items on time, even if reminder emails don’t arrive.
  • For information on how many books you can borrow and for how long, check the borrowing entitlements section 
Shows graphic Icon of a book with a clock face on it overlaid on blue background. The text reads 'Renew'

How to renew your books

If you need more time with a book, renewing it online is quick and simple.

  1. Sign in to My Library Account.
  2. Go to the Loans tab.
  3. Click Renew beside the item(s) you want to extend.
  • Each book can be renewed up to three times.
  • If another user has placed a request/hold on the book, it cannot be renewed.
  • Always renew before the due date. Once a book is overdue, it must be returned before it can be borrowed again.

Need help? Email library@dcu.ie for support

Tip: You’ll get a reminder to your DCU email the day before a book is due.

For information on how many books you can borrow and for how long, check the borrowing entitlements section 

Shows grahic icon of a book with a computer mouse on it overlaid on blue background. Text reads 'Request'

How to request an item from DCU Library

If a book you need is already on loan, you can place a request and we’ll hold it for you when it’s returned.

  1. Sign in to Library Search so that the Request option is available 
  2. Find the book you want and click the Request link in the Availability and request options box. Requests can be picked up from the library where they are held.
  3. Click Send Request to confirm.
  4. You’ll get an email to your DCU account when the book is back and ready for collection.
  • You’ll have three working days from when you get the notification to pick up the book.
  • Collect it from the help desk in the library you selected.
  • You can have up to two active requests at a time.
  • To view or cancel requests, log in to My Library Account and select the Requests tab.

Remember: Items available on the shelf (not on loan) cannot be requested, you can borrow them straight from the shelf.

Request Collection

Please note that this is different from requesting a book that’s already on loan.

The Request Collection is a large collection of supplementary material held in storage in O’Reilly Library.

These items aren’t on open shelves and must be requested through Library Search.

Once requested, items can be picked up from the library you choose. Before placing a request, check whether the book is already available in the main collections or as an ebook.

Items requested for pickup at O’Reilly Library usually arrive within 48 hours.

Delivery to Cregan Library or Woodlock Hall Library typically takes two to three days.

For information on how many books you can borrow and for how long, check the borrowing entitlements section 

Shows graphic icon of a computer with a book on the screen overlaid on a blue background. Text reads 'My Library Account'

My Library Account

As a DCU student, you automatically get a personal library account. It helps you keep track of your loans, due dates, renewals, requests, and favourites.

How to sign in
  1. Go to the Library website and click My Library Account 
  2. When the pop‑up appears, choose DCU Staff and Students.
  3. The first time you log in, you’ll be asked to accept the Terms of Use.
  4. Always sign in using your DCU email address and password.

Remember: You can also check your account at the self‑service machines in the library.

Just scan your DCU student card and choose Account to see your current loans and requests.

Need Help? If you’re having trouble logging in with your DCU credentials, please contact DTS for support.

Shows graphic icon of a book overlaid on a blue background. Text reads 'Borrowing Entitlements'

Borrowing Entitlements

  • Undergraduate Students: Entitled to borrow up to 14 items concurrently. 
  • Taught and Research Postgraduate Students: Entitled to borrow up to 20 items concurrently.
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) Students: Entitled to borrow up to 20 items concurently. This includes a maximum of 10 items from the Primary and/or Post-Primary Teaching Collection
Loan lengths

  • Books can be borrowed for 1 week or 3 weeks, depending on the book. 

  • A 1 week loan has white tape along the end of the spine.