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DCU Library

Using The Library

students studying in a group in Cregan Library

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This webpage is your go-to resource for all things library-related. Discover how to navigate our extensive collections, access online resources, and make the most of our dedicated support team.

 Whether you're a new student, or a returning student, we've got your library needs covered. Just click a tile below to learn more.

students and library staff member at the help desk
Help & Support

Adapting to third level can be difficult at times - our team of friendly and professional staff at the library help desks are available to help you get the best out of the wide array of print and online collections, and the support services available to you

Areas we can help with include:

  • Finding books and ebooks on your reading lists, and using the library catalogue (Library Search)
  • Borrowing, renewing and requesting print material
  • Locating subject information for your assignments and class projects
  • Help searching library databases for academic journal articles
  • Help with citing and referencing / avoiding plagiarism queries
  • General assistance with all library services and collections

If you have any questions, our staff are happy to help, you just need to ask! You'll find the library help desk on the ground floor of each library. 

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Contact Us

Cregan Library

T: +353 (01) 700 9134

spd.library@dcu.ie

O’Reilly Library

T: +353 (01) 700 5041

issuedesk@dcu.ie

Woodlock Hall Library

T: +353 (01) 700 8517

woodlocklibrary@dcu.ie

 

All general queries: library@dcu.ie

Live Chat Available: Get fast answers to short queries with our live chat feature. Simply look for the pop-out tab and a member of staff will reply almost instantly.

Available Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm

Our Libraries

students entering O' Reilly Library
Opening Hours

Opening hours available here

  • The Library opening hours vary throughout the year. Check the library website regularly for updates.
  • For our extended opening hours the library will open for ‘Study Only’. Library staff will not be available, however, self service machines can be used to borrow and return library materials.  PCs and printing facilities will also be available.
  • DCU Library online resources (ebooks, ejournals) available 24/7
students studying in a group study room
Study Spaces

Throughout the libraries you will find a range of study spaces for both individual and collaborative study. From soft seating study areas to traditional study desks. We offer secure wifi (Eduroam) and plenty of power points to recharge your devices.

Note: Woodlock Hall Library study spaces are dedicated to individual study only.

Group study rooms for 2 - 6 people are available in Cregan & O'Reilly library and can bee booked online

Terms & Conditions to Note

  • As a courtesy to others, we ask that you be mindful of our noise guidelines depending on where you are in our library spaces.
  • When leaving the library for whatever reason please bring all your belongings with you.
  • Food is not permitted in the library
  • Smoking/Vaping in any library space is not permitted
  • For a complete list of library rules and regulations, please see our Library Regulations
exterior Cregan Library
Cregan Library, St Patrick's Campus

Cregan Library is located in the G Block on the St Patricks’ Campus. 

Students based on St Patrick’s Campus, and also on All Hallows Campus and studying all aspects of Education and many Humanities subjects, can find key print collections here to support their academic study.

Always remember to bring your staff or student DCU ID card when visiting our libraries.

Exterior of O' Reilly Library
O' Reilly Library, Glasnevin Campus

O’Reilly Library is located at the end of the Mall on the Glasnevin Campus. 

Students in Nursing, Business, Sciences, Maths, Engineering, Law & Government, and Communications will find a huge range of tailored print resources available to them here.

Always remember to bring your staff or student DCU ID card when visiting our libraries.

interior woodlock hall library
Woodlock Hall Library, All Hallows Campus

Woodlock Hall Library is located in Senior House on the All Hallows Campus.

The collection consists of 18,000 items from the Jesuit Library. More Information...

We also have a 360 video of the layout of Woodlock Hall Library 

Always remember to bring your staff or student DCU ID card when visiting our libraries.

students consulting material in the Special Collections department
Special Collections and Archives

The Special Collections and Archives department houses a diverse array of research materials in various formats, accessible for review within the Reading Room situated on the lower ground floor of the O'Reilly Library.

This department catalogues, preserves and digitizes the library's special collections, and hosts exhibitions and delivers presentations on their content. 

Accessing Resources

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Library Search

Library Search is DCU Library's discovery platform. Use it to search the Library's collections: books, ebooks, journal articles, and more. 

Watch this short YouTube tutorial to learn the basics: Keyword Search Tutorial

student studying at laptop
My Library Account

As a DCU registered student you have access to a personal My Library Account to allow you to keep track of loan dates, renewals, and requests.

Take a look at this quick video on how to sign in: My Library Account Tutorial

student using self issue machine
Borrow, return, renew, request

You can borrow books from any DCU Library for 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of loan. When you're done, just return them to any DCU Library or renew them online if you need more time.

Some books aren’t on the open shelves and have to be requested online.

For all the info on borrowing, returning, requesting, or renewing, head over to our Borrow Return Request Renew page.

browsing shelves
books and ebooks

DCU Library has a large, diverse collection of print books across all three librarie locations. We also have an extensive range of ebooks. These collections can be searched online via our discovery tool, Library Search

Watch this short video to learn more about how to find books and ebooks: Finding Books

Find out more about or library's Books & ebooks collections

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Journals and Databases

Journals are expert-written publications, containing research and articles in specific fields, offering credible and peer-reviewed information. 

Databases, on the other hand, are electronic collections of various sources like journals, books, and reports organised for easy searching. 

Learn more about these collections via the webpage: Journals & Databases

dissertations
Theses & Dissertations

PhD. Theses from 1985 can be found online via Doras (DCU Online Research Access Service) DCU's institutional repository. 

For information about accessing Taught Postgraduate dissertations, and other theses and dissertations, see the webpage:

Theses & Dissertations

Learning Support

stduent with subject librarian
Subject Support

Our Subject Librarians are available to advise and help you with your research. They also deliver classes and workshops throughout the year.

Your Subject Librarian can advise on:

  • Finding quality sources for your essays and projects
  • Devising an effective search strategy
  • Using the best resources for your discipline
  • Conducting a review of the literature
  • Citing and referencing sources

You'll find their contact information on the Subject Guides developed by the team. Each guide brings together the best quality information resources available for a given subject and also provides the contact details for your Subject Librarian.

student with laptop
LETS Online Tutorials

LETS are Library E-Tutorials for Students

These online tutorials will help you to locate, evaluate and use information effectively. You can complete these tutorials via Loop

students in a class setting
Classes & Workshops

The library hosts in-person, online, and hybrid, classes and workshops throughout the year. 

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Citing & Referencing

Correctly citing your sources is essential when writing assignments. If you're having trouble with referencing or worried about plagiarism, the library can help you!

Chec out our dedicated webpage for more information

Citing & Referencing

library staff helping student at help desk
Help desk PLUS

Help Desk Plus offers extended support for inquiries that need a little extra time and assistance. 

Sit down with a knowledgeable library staff member to receive helpful guidance in locating resources, navigating databases, and much more. 

Help desk plus is a drop-in service, no appointments needed. 

student styudying with a laptop at home
Other Supports

DCU Library partners with other DCU units to provide a range of different services in the library, from IT support, help with writing assignments, Math assistance and more

Other Supports