Library

The Library supports all areas of study and research in the Institute with a wide range of books, journals, pamphlets and photocopies. The recently refurbished library was officially opened by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, T.D on Monday October 1st 2007 (further information can be found here).

MDI Library Library Issue Desk

Library Catalogue
Book and PC

The Library Catalogue (OPAC) is on-line and can also be accessed from both on-campus and off-campus. Readers can search for holdings, reserve books, renew loans, and trace the location of the various Library holdings. Library Staff will be happy to assist with any queries. The Catalogue can also be used to check the library-holdings of St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, and of Dublin City University. You can access the OPAC by clicking here.

Library-Card

The College ID/Swipe Card is also a Library-Card. This should be carried at all times and must be presented when borrowing from the Library.  Any loss or theft of the Card should be reported without delay to the Registry and the Library.

Borrowing
Student in Library

Books available for loan are in 3 categories:

  • Main Lending (White-label),
  • 1-Week loan (Green-tape),
  • and 24-Hour (Red-tape) loan.

Reference Collection books and Periodicals may not be borrowed.

  • Undergraduate Students may borrow up to 7 books at a time, which can be a combination of Main Lending, 1-Week loans and one 24-hour loan.  Main Lending books can be kept for 2 weeks.

  • Postgraduate Students may borrow up to 10 books, which can be a combination of Main Lending and 1-Week loans and one 24-hour loan.  Main Lending books can be kept for 4 weeks.
Loan Renewals

Books may be renewed if they are not required by another reader. They can be renewed using the OPAC. You will need a PIN number to access your borrower record: ask for this at the desk. Overdue books, 24-hour and 1-week loans may not be renewed. If books are overdue they must be returned before other books can be issued or renewed. Please return items promptly if you receive notification that material on loan is required by another borrower.

Fines

Fines are payable on all overdue items:

  • 40c per hour, or part of hour, on 24-hour Loan items;
  • 20c per day on Main Lending and 1-Week loan items.

You may not be allowed to borrow if you have overdue items on your account.

Stack-Books and Pamphlets
Student outside MDI Library

In the Catalogue you may come across materials located in Stack or Pamphlet (prefix S or P); stack items and pamphlets are not on open access.  You should ask for them at the desk.

Arrangement of Books

Books are shelved in the Library according to their subject matter. Dewey Classification system; each subject has a number between 001 and 999. For example, the classification number for:

  • Psychology is 150
  • Liturgy is 264
  • Religious Education is 268
  • Education is 370
  • Music is 780
  • English Literature is 820
  • European History is 940

Reference Collection books are shelved separately but in same class-order.

Outline of Dewey Decimal Classification
  • 000 Generalities
  • 100 Philosophy and Psychology
  • 200 Religion
  • 300 Social Sciences
  • 400 Language
  • 500 Pure Sciences
  • 600 Technology
  • 700 The Arts
  • 800 Literature
  • 900 Geography, Biography, History.
Photocopying

Self-service, card-operated photocopiers are available for use in the Library.

Inter-library Loans

If the book or periodical-article is not in the library, we may be able to borrow the book or get a photocopy of the article from another Library for you. There is a charge for this service. Ask for details.

Access to other Libraries

All Mater Dei Students and Staff have access to the Libraries of DCU and St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra; this access is for consultation only, no borrowing.

ALCID Card

Post-Graduate Students and Staff may apply for an ALCID Card. This allows access to a range of Irish University and Special Libraries. Enquire at Library Desk.