UCD Library Capital Development Project - March 2026
Commencing on 30 March 2026, Phase 2 of the redevelopment of the James Joyce Library will deliver:
- A new Cultural Heritage Centre on Level 1 of the James Joyce Library, bringing together UCD’s world-class Cultural Heritage repositories, the National Folklore Collection, UCD Archives, and Special Collections.
- Enhanced and increased study spaces and facilities on Level 2 of the James Joyce Library, alongside our extensive open book stacks and with new features such as a digital content suite and individual sensory study rooms.
Phase 2 of the Library Capital Development Project will soon commence in the James Joyce Library. Works will take place in multiple stages starting on 30 March 2026 and continuing through to August 2027. The Library will continue to do everything possible to minimise the impact on library users but a certain level of disruption will be inevitable during the construction phase. Please take a moment to note upcoming changes that may affect your next visit.
Service updates and zoned closures will be published on this webpage (see drop down below) and on Library Workvivo and social media channels. Regular bulletins will be shared with Heads of Schools to be circulated to faculty. Students will be given advance notice via the student e-zine, social media and onsite signage.
As always, library staff are available to answer your questions at the information desk on Level 1, via LibChat on our website or via email libraryinfo@ucd.ie. Thank you for your continued support as we enter the second phase of the library redevelopment.
The first stage of works will take place from 30 March - Autumn 2026.
What to expect during Spring/Summer 2026:
Phase 2 of the development project will create a new Cultural Heritage Centre in a section of Level 1 and will deliver enhanced study spaces for both undergraduates and postgraduates across Level 2.
From 30 March 2026, works will commence in a section of Level 1 that is currently closed to library users.
- Hoarding will be erected in Hub 2 closing off the construction area.
- Some noise disruption is expected from this date. Noise cancelling headphones are available to borrow from the information desk.
From 18 May 2026 following the completion of Spring Trimester exams, the first stage of works on Level 2 will commence through to Autumn 2026.
- A significant part of Level 2 will be closed to library users and staff. Hoarding will be erected.
- Study space will be reduced on Level 2 but access to lakeside study spaces will not be affected during the first stage of work.
- Level 3, Level 4 and the lakeside Hub 1 area on Level 1 will remain open throughout.
- Students and staff are welcome to study in any of our five library sites.
- Full self-service access to collections on the open book stacks (on Levels 2 and 4) will remain during the first stage of work.
- The Postgraduate Research Centre on Level 2 will be temporarily relocated to Level 3 until works on the new Postgraduate Rooms are completed. Usual booking requirements apply.
- Individual Postgraduate Study Rooms on Level 2 will no longer be available. Individual Postgraduate Study Rooms on Level 4 can be booked on our website.
- The 'zoom rooms' on Level 2 will be inaccessible. Zoom rooms on Level 3 can be accessed as normal by booking on our website.
- The multifaith room on Level 2 will be inaccessible as we develop a new and improved space. You can find alternative spaces listed here.
Library users can expect further zoned closures on Level 2 throughout 2026-2027 to facilitate the completion of the refurbishment of the entire floor. Level 3, Level 4 and the majority of Level 1 will remain open throughout the works. Communications outlining further changes associated with the next stage will be issued in August.
Cultural Heritage: National Folklore Collection move
As part of our ongoing commitment to preserving UCD’s heritage collections, the National Folklore Collection (NFC) is preparing to move from the Newman Building where the collection has been held since the 1970s, to a new, purpose-built home within the James Joyce Library. This move is scheduled to take place in early 2027 following the construction of the new Cultural Heritage Centre in the James Joyce Library. This transition will co-locate the NFC with UCD Special Collections and UCD Archives, creating a brand new centre that will enhance research and the security of these irreplaceable materials. A move of this size and scale will necessitate some reduction to the NFC’s in-person service from September 2026. Online access to digitised NFC material published on Dúchas will remain throughout and further information will be shared in our next bulletin.
Thank you for your patience as we begin the next phase of redevelopment work to improve the James Joyce Library for all users. Our team will be on hand responding to any queries or concerns throughout the project. General queries may be directed to libraryinfo@ucd.ie.
Stay informed
- Next communications will be issued in August 2026 ahead of the new trimester.
- Updates will be posted on the Library website and in Workvivo Library Updates space.
- Faculty and staff will be updated via bulletins issued to Heads of Schools.
- Students will be updated via the student e-zine, library website, onsite signage and social media.
- General queries may be directed by email to libraryinfo@ucd.ie.
About the project
UCD Library and UCD Estate Services are working together on the redevelopment of the James Joyce Library building in the most ambitious project since the Library was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. The project is designed to meet the 21st century needs of students and researchers.
We are planning the redevelopment of the James Joyce Library in phases, and we will remain open throughout, continuing to provide vital services for UCD students and staff. In 2023 we completed the first phase which included the refurbishment of Level 3, an award-winning project that delivered 535 formal and informal student learning spaces in a contemporary and inclusive design that responded to student feedback. The second phase of work, beginning in 2026, will transform Level 2 and deliver increased and enhanced student study spaces alongside our extensive open book stacks and with new features such as a digital content suite and individual sensory study rooms.
Phase 2 will also create a new Cultural Heritage Centre on Level 1, bringing together the world-class Cultural Heritage repositories, the National Folklore Collection, UCD Archives, and Special Collections. Our goal is to enhance the student experience, support and enable research, and create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
