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Accessing the Library

Accessing The Library

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How to Access the Library

You must have your University of Galway ID Card to access the Library.

During busy periods, such as coming up to exam times, access to the Library may be limited to only registered University of Galway students.

All users of the Library agree to adhere to the Library's Code of Conduct.

Current Students

You can access the Library using your ID card to swipe in through the front gates. If you lose your card, you can request another from the Student Registry Helpdesk.

Students on a leave of absence may not use the Library. See the University's Student Leave of Absence Policy.

External User

  • Please note from 2nd December 2024 - 2nd January 2025 we are unable to accept External Memberships due to student examinations taking place!

You must have a specific higher level research requirement, or a professional/regulatory advancement requirement apply for external membership.

A €5 new Library ID card fee will apply in additional to the following membership fees.

Type of Visitor Access Cost Without Borrowing Cost With Borrowing

 Individual Members
(Over 16 Only)

  Onsite Only

 3 Months - €30
 6 Months - €60
 12 Months - €120

 6 Months - €90
12 Months - €180
 Open University

 Onsite Only

  12 Months - €60  12 Months - €180

You will have access to:

  • 500,000+ books, 600+ current print journals
  • Over 50,000 e-journals and databases using one designated PC within the Library
  • Individual study spaces
  • Document delivery of journal articles, books, and other material from other libraries at an additional cost of €20 per item
  • Borrowing material at an additional cost depending on membership type

Off-campus e-resources are not available to external members. 

Apply for access through the Library Membership Form.

Graduates

Free access is available for graduates. You will need to pay to borrow books: 6 months - €30/12 months - €60. Off-campus e-resources are not available to graduates. An additional fee of €5 will be applied for printing of new Library ID cards. 

Apply for access through the Library Membership Form.

Staff

All staff may use the Library. To borrow books, request a new Library account by logging a ticket.

ATU Access

University of Galway Staff and postgraduate students will be granted external user access to the ATU Library which entitles them to:
  • Access the Library at ATU
  • Borrow up to 5 items for 2 weeks
  • Access online library resources on-site only using guest wifi and the user's own device
Regular Library rules, such as overdue fines and payment for lost items, will apply.
ATU staff and postgraduate students will be granted external user access to the University of Galway Library, entitling them access to:
  • Access to the James Hardiman Library on the University of Galway campus
  • Borrow up to 6 items for 4 weeks
  • Access online library resources through a single access point, the PC located in the holds room
If an ATU Staff member or postgraduate student wishes to request access to the University of Galway Library, they should:
  • Send their request through the Library at ATU
  • Give at least 2 days' advance notice
  • Once approved, the requestor can then go to the University of Galway Library with their current ATU ID card
  • A University of Galway Library access card will be issued to be used for access to the James Hardiman Library building and for borrowing books
Note: This is a pilot scheme that will be reviewed every 6 months