External Readers

    Visitors may apply for access and or membership to Maynooth University Library under any of the categories listed below.  There is a controlled access system in place in the John Paul II Library. Once approved, applicants will receive a library card which is required for both entry and exit.  This card can only be used by the registered user.  Printing/photocopying is not possible for external readers.

    Maynooth University Library reserves the right to refuse admission.  Apply here

     

    Library Link: CONUL Access Scheme

    Library Link is a co-operative access scheme between participating Irish libraries.  On production of an Library Link membership card (obtainable from your home institution), full-time academic staff, academic-related staff, and students registered for postgraduate degrees have access to the collections of the following libraries:

    • Dublin City University
    • Trinity College Dublin
    • University College Cork
    • National University of Ireland Galway
    • Maynooth University
    • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
    • Royal Irish Academy
    • Royal Irish Academy of Music
    • University College Dublin
    • Mary immaculate College
    • St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra
    • Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
    • University of Limerick
    • Technological University Dublin
    • St. Angela’s College Sligo
    • National College of Art & Design
    • Ulster University

    Apply here for your visitor Library Link card

    SCONUL Access

    Maynooth University is a member of SCONUL Access.  SCONUL Access is a co-operative venture between most of the higher education libraries in Ireland and the UK.  It enables staff, research students, full-time postgraduates and part-time and distance learning students to borrow material from participating libraries.  It also provides for a reference only service for full-time undergraduate students.  Application must be made through the SCONUL website. The applicant will receive an authorisation email.

    If you are eligible and wish to borrow, please Click here.  SCONUL authorisation email and home institution ID must be presented on the first visit.

    Any reader from members of SCONUL or CONUL libraries (DCU, TUD, NLI, NUIG, Maynooth University, RCSI, TCD, UCC, UCD and UL) is accepted during vacation periods on production of a vacation card from their home library.
     
    Please contact the Library by phone: +353 1 708 3884; or Ask Us

    Alumni

    Graduates from Maynooth University and St Patrick's College, Maynooth may avail of library services at preferential rates. Please note that the reduction in membership fees reflect that under the terms of our licence agreements with publishers, our electronic resources are no longer available to external readers to consult. Click here to apply

    The fees for full access (borrowing books) and reading access are:
     

      Full Access Reading Access
    Individual - annual €50 €30
    Individual - 6 months €35 €20

                     
    Click here for Alumni Office contact information.

     

    External Membership

    Due to MU/SPPU examinations, external membership is unavailable for the month of May.

    Members of the public not registered with a publicly funded institution may apply for reading or borrowing facilities. Access is for research purposes or scholarly needs. Benefits include borrowing (full access only) self-service equipment and facilities, assistance from staff and study facilities. Please note that the reduction in membership fees reflect that under the terms of our licence agreements with publishers, our electronic resources are no longer available to external readers to consult. Access to the Russell Library is also included and is by appointment. Once payment has been processed, a member of library staff will be in touch via email. Click here to apply.

    The fees for full access with borrowing and reading access without borrowing are:
     

      Full Access Reading Access
    Individual - annual €100 €60
    Individual - 6 months €70 €40
         

     

    Specific Item Consultation

    Access can be granted free of charge for up to one week for specific item consultation. Please bring proof of ID when visiting. If you are visiting from another institution, a letter of introduction is required. Please apply here.

    Due to pressures on study space, external readers may not be allowed access to the Library during exam periods.   

     

    Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Scholars

    The Library is keen to provide as much of a service as possible to local refugee and asylum-seeking scholars to enable them to utilize the library’s resources and continue their scholarship.  To this end, the Library is offering access to the physical collection and study space for one academic year which can be renewed. 

    Please note that presentation of an Irish Residence Permit or an International Protection Office card will be required for access. Apply