Back to college: library resources
Published on 10th September 2024
We have an extensive selection of resources that third-level students can use to do well in college.
Computers and the Internet
Visitors to any of our branches can access the internet for FREE, either on their own devices using the Library Wi-Fi, or by reserving a spot ahead of time and making use of one of the computers provided.
Some branches also lend laptops and tablets to members for use in the library only.
More details here.
My Open Library
My Open Library is an unstaffed, self-service library, available at Raheny Library and Pembroke Library every day of the year!
During My Open Library Hours you can borrow and return items, print, photocopy, use the Internet, access Free Wifi and use our study space.
Study and Work Spaces
Students can also use the study spaces available throughout our branches.
The Reading Room in Dublin City Library and Archive on Pearse Street – has dedicated study spaces.
Why not try out the Work Pod in the Central Library? The pod can accommodate four people, providing space to work on group projects or (non-fee) tutoring.
Print, Scan and Copy
The libraries’ printing and copying service is operated by Surfbox. It is available in all branches of Dublin City Libraries.
If you experience any issues, especially with payments, you must contact Surfbox directly via the Freephone telephone number 1800 818 989.
Research and Reference Materials
- Digital newspaper archives including The Irish Times Digital Archive, The Irish Newspaper Archives + Radical Newspaper Archive, and the Financial Times.
- Business and financial information, including up to date reports, trends, statistics, consumer data and documents about Irish companies, as well as the wider UK and Irish economies. Accessible through Business.ie, IBISWorld, Euromonitor Passport Markets, Mintel, MarketLine Advantage and Vision – NET.
- Both Encyclopaedia Britannica and Oxford’s collection of research and reference materials, including Oxford’s Research Encyclopedias, Oxford Reference, Oxford Music Online, Oxford Art Online, Oxford Dictionaries
- Peer-reviewed research journals and academic articles on topics including the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering and business and management – accessible through ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight and JSTOR’s Ireland Collection.
- Students can also make use of ‘Very Short Introductions’, a collection of over 700 books from Oxford University Press that introduce readers to a range of subjects in a concise manner, making challenging topics highly readable.
Accessibility
Students who struggle with reading, writing or spelling can take advantage of the Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS) online course – this is a multi-sensory, structured course that allows students to learn at their own pace in the library, or at home. To gain access to the course, please contact one of the following library branches with your name and library card number:
Language
We provide FREE online language resources.
uTalk, users can pick up the basics of over 140 languages, with 2,200 phrases in each spread out between sixty-four different topics such as directions, shopping, emergencies and social phrases.
Transparent Language Online enables users to choose and learn from over 110 different languages through a flexible learning path – offering options to suit all styles of learning, from a pre-structured course to practice activities in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
For those who would prefer to hone their language skills face to face, keep an eye on the Library Events listings for any informal conversation exchanges taking place within our branch libraries.