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Rare Books, Archives, History of Medicine
The Library's collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives are
particularly rich. The history of surgery and medicine is of course well
represented, but the collections also cover a surprisingly wide range of other
subjects. Archives held in the Mercer Library include those of the Royal
College of Surgeons in Ireland and many other Irish medical institutions.
Access to the RCSI Heritage Collections
RCSI Council, Staff and Students: RCSI Archives and Special
Collections are available, without appointment, to current RCSI Council
members, staff and students.
External Researchers: due to limited staffing, non-RCSI
affiliated scholarly researchers may consult the materials solely by
appointment and on Wednesdays only. Research students must have a letter from
their supervisor. To make an appointment please email Mary
O’Doherty Please include a description of the material you wish to
consult so that it can be prepared in advance; use these pages and the library
catalogue to identify relevant materials. Research students should include the
name and contact details of their supervisor.
Regulations
• All visitors must produce identification and sign in
• Photocopying and/or digital photography only with the permission of
the Assistant Librarian and in compliance with the Copyright and Related
Rights Act, 2000 (Ireland)
• Neither food nor drink is allowed in the reading area
• Materials can only be handled under the direction of the Assistant
Librarian and may not be removed from the reading area or the library.
• Mobile phones and other devices must be switched to silent
• Pencils or laptops may be used to take notes – no pens or ink allowed.
No marking of any kind can be made on any materials.
Services
• Fact checking RCSI history and activities for RCSI publications,
research, presentations and other activities related to RCSI
• Fact checking information contained within the historical collections
for publications, presentations and other activities for academic, scholarly,
and literary researchers
• Answering enquiries relating to the materials (we regret we cannot
carry out detailed research to non-RCSI researchers)
• Sourcing and identification of images and photographs within the
collections
Tracing medical ancestors
The library of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI)
provides a genealogical service which includes alumni of RCSI. More
information on this service is available on the RCPI Reader, Research and
Genealogical Services web page or by contacting the RCPI Librarian, Robert
Mills, at 01-6698806.
Need help? Ask a Librarian
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