Using the Library

All current Carlow College learners and staff have to access Carlow College Library services; however, this access is contingent on following Library regulations. As a Carlow College Library user you must have a current Learner Identity Card. These cards must be produced if requested by a member of the Library staff.

Learners or Researchers visiting from other Third Level Institutes must have an approved letter from their college for each visit stating the date and purpose of their visit. Further to this, the Library will consider requests to read, without borrowing privileges, in the Library from: any persons engaged in scholarly research; members of the public requiring access to Library material not available to them in any other library.

The Library is open for visitation to members of the public; however, they must sign in at reception before gaining admittance stating time and date of their visit. Members of the public do not have access to Library computers or study spaces.

This service enables registered students and staff of Carlow College, St Patrick’s, to place online reservations for books in the PJ Brophy Library. Find out more here.

Students must go to the Library Desk to borrow and return items.

Students from 1^st to 3^rd year can borrow 3 items at a time while 4^th years can borrow 5 items at a time. 

There are two types of loans: Overnight loans (e.g. if taken out Monday must be returned Tuesday) and weekly loans (e.g. Friday to Friday).

Books can be renewed online, over the phone, at the Library Desk or via email. If another student places a reservation on an item, or your account accrues a fine then you cannot renew your items. (N.B. all books are subject to recall at any time if requested by another user).

Students will be charged €1 per borrowed item per day for overdue items. Students with overdue items on their accounts will be blocked from borrowing further items until the fine is paid and books returned. 

Items that are not held in the library can be obtained by using our Inter-Library Loan Service. The cost for students is €7 to €8 per item. Requests can be made at Library Desk or via email. 

A small number of laptops are available for weekly lending. When in high demand these laptops are issued as overnight but when demand is low we can extend them to weekly.

On the ground floor, near the library entrance, you can find facilities for printing, photocopying and scanning. It is 10c for black and white, 20c for color. Please note that any items copied in the library is subject to copyright law. These facilities are paid for using your learner card. You can top up at the Library Desk. 

Computers are available on the first floor for library and are only available for students with current Learner ID’s. Each computer is connected to the network printer/photocopier. We also provide Wi-Fi; just ask at the Library Desk for the password.

Quiet individual study spaces and group study spaces are available to students behind the Library Desk.  You can book at the Library Desk, or contact the Library via e-mail or phone.

The Library Staff provide a book shop service where students can order and purchase primary and secondary reading for your courses. A deposit is required, and requests can be made at the Library Desk or via email. You have the option of paying the deposit with Reception over the phone or in cash at the Library Desk.