Use Special Collections' Material
All material is for consultation only and cannot be removed from Special Collections or borrowed from the Library.
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Advice to ReadersCan I bring water into Special Collections & Archives? Can I use a pen? Are there sockets in Special Collections & Archives? This document says what can be used in Special Collections & Archives.
No you can't bring in water or use a pen in Special Collections & Archives! Yes there are sockets!
Handling Material
When handling material please remember:
- Hands must be clean
- Use book snakes to keep book pages open
- Use weights to keep maps or larger items lying flat
- Use book rests/cushions to support bindings
- Do not put any undue pressure on bindings
- Do not lean on the original item
- Never touch the surface of a print/drawing/photograph/map
- Ask for assistance if using rolled items, or folded items with attached seals
- Do not use flash on the camera
Food, drink and ink are not allowed in any of the reading rooms.
Please contact Special Collections staff if any assistance is needed.
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How to Use Material in the Rare Books Reading RoomGuidance for what can be used or not used in the Rare Books Reading Room.
Videos: Handling Special Collections' Material
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Collection Care Videos (BL)The British Library Preservation Centre produced a series of videos to demonstrate careful use of collection items. This is to ensure Special Collections and users can work together to ensure the long-term preservation of material.
Presentation: Using Special Collections for Research
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Using Special Collections for ResearchAn overview of what is Special Collections, the types of material found in Special Collections, why material is placed in Special Collections and ways of searching for material in Special Collections.
Accessing Special Collections Beyond UCC Library
If you want to visit other third level institutions there are various access schemes open to UCC staff and students.
In all cases please email the relevant Special Collections in advance in order to request the material. The staff in each institution will inform you of the relevant procedures which may be different to UCC Library's.
For more information about locating the relevant special collections' material to your study use the latest edition of the Directory of Rare Books and Special Collections in the UK and Ireland.
Opening Hours
From 30 May - 9 September 2022: Special Collections & Archives will be open Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 11:00-16:30. We are open to UCC staff and students, and members of the public.
Closed: 6 June and 1 August 2022. Late evening openings on Wednesdays will resume 14 September 2022.
For more information about what items must be requested and to request them via the online request form see Request Special Collections & Archives.
In addition we continue offering:
- Scan & Deliver for Special Collections' material including items in the Reference Reading Room, Microform and items that show Special Collections by Request / Special Collections by Appointment on the library catalogue.
- Reprographic requests for manuscripts & archival material via specialcollectionsarchives@ucc.ie
Every effort will be made to fulfil scan & deliver / reprographic types of requests, but this may not always be possible due to availability, copyright restrictions, size and condition of materials.
If you have any queries relating to our collections please email specialcollectionsarchives@ucc.ie. This email address is monitored regularly.
