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Planning your research visit
Planning your research visit
The Russell Library is a research library, open to staff and students of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth; to academic visitors, researchers from other institutions, and to bona-fide readers. University and College readers are requested to phone in advance or to enquire first at the information desk in the John Paul II Library.
Making an appointment
Contact the Russell Library and arrange your time of visit in advance by phone, by e-mail, or simply by enquiring at the information desk in the John Paul II Library.
Items to be consulted may, if you wish, be ordered in advance, by email. This will save you time. Check the online catalogue first for details and shelf mark. Note that as yet only part of the collection is catalogued online, so do also check our other catalogues when seeking items.
Making an enquiry
If you need to discuss your research with a member of staff, you are welcome to contact us.
Laptops
Laptops may be used in the Library and the NUI Maynooth wireless network is accessible. When taking notes on paper, you are asked to use lead pencils rather than pens.
Lockers
Lockers are available in the Library foyer; a two euro coin is required as returnable deposit. Only notepads and laptops should be brought upstairs to the reading room. There is a signing-in book at the head of the stairs.
Access to the reading room
The main reading room is on the first floor. Unfortunately there is no lift, and no wheelchair access to this level. If necessary, alternative reading arrangements will always be made where possible.
Requesting a book or document
Items required are requested by filling in a form. A member of staff will retrieve the item for consultation. While there is no direct access to older material on the shelves, readers can browse in the catalogues and guides and then make a request. All books and documents are held in the Library itself, and are normally quickly retrievable.
Handling books
The books and documents in this library cannot be replaced. Many are very old. Please handle all items carefully. Use the supports provided so that there is no strain. If a book is difficult to hold open, ask a member of staff for a weighted chain. Certain items require the use of cotton gloves; these will be provided.
Reference works
There is a modern reference collection on the mezzanine floor for the use of readers. The collections in the John Paul II Library provide a further resource.
Can books be borrowed?
Material in the Russell Library may not be borrowed.
Reproducing text or images
We can provide digital images on request but early material cannot be photocopied. Readers are requested to refrain from using cameras and mobile phones.
If you need help
If you have any questions, if you need help in identifying sources for your research, or if you need assistance with electronic data bases, please ask us.
When you have finished
Please leave the item on the table when you have finished and inform staff of your departure.
We hope you will enjoy your visit!
Finding the Russell Library
The Russell Library is on the south campus in St Mary’s quadrangle. Entering the building by the President’s Arch at the back of St Joseph’s Square, turn left and follow the cloister. Ring the Russell Library door bell to gain admittance.
