Irish Film Institute -Research & Library

Research & Library

Named in honour of Tiernan MacBride in recognition of his contribution to the Irish film industry, the Library holds one of the largest collections of film related publications in Ireland. The collection includes a wide range of books, journals, and reports covering both international and Irish cinema.

The Library holds over 3,500 books, covering all aspects of film history, criticism, theory and production. The collection includes books on film genre and theory, gender studies, film production and scriptwriting, international filmmakers and actors, the history of early and silent cinema, and national cinemas. The library has a large selection of books relating to Irish cinema and television, and aims to purchase all new publications on Irish film written in the English language.

Journals:
The periodical collection includes publications dating from the 1930s to the present. The major international journals such as Film Quarterly, Sight & Sound, and Variety are included. Currently the Library subscribes to Film Ireland, Sight & Sound, Screen, American Cinematographer, Variety and Cineaste., as well as specialist periodicals like American Cinematographer. The Library also holds Irish film magazines from different eras, including The Screen, Film West and Film Ireland. The collection also includes back issues of many other publications, including Monthly Film Bulletin, Film West, Empire and The Screen.
Most journals articles are searchable in the Library via the FIAF International Index to Film Periodicals.

The Library also subscribes to The Irish Times digital archive, giving access to every issue published since 1859. This resource is particularly useful for researchers interested in the history of Irish film production and exhibition, censorship, and contemporary reaction to Irish and foreign films.

Library Opening Hours:

The Library is open by appointment only during the hours listed below:
Monday to Friday:  10.30 AM to 1 PM
2 to 5.30 PM
Please contact Special Collections Archivist Allison McGrail at library@irishfilm.ie to book an appointment, or to learn more about our collections.

Library Search:

Browse the current catalogue available in the Library. If there is something in particular that you cannot find, our Special Collections Archivist will be happy to help.

Library Charges:

Students €1.50 per visit;
General public €2.00 per visit.

Library and Archive Membership:
Researchers may purchase a Library and Archive membership card, which allows unlimited access to the Library during opening hours for one year. Benefits include:
•    10% off all books purchased at the IFI Filmshop on production of the membership card
•    One free viewing at the IFI Irish Film Archive
•    Reduced charges on all subsequent viewings at the Irish Film Archive
Membership can be purchased at the Tiernan MacBride Library, and costs €20/€15 for concessions.

College Subscriptions:
Annual subscriptions to the Library are available to Third Level Colleges; please contact the Special Collections Archivist for further details.

The Library’s collections are reference only, however photocopying facilities are available.

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The IFI is supported
by The Arts Council

Arts Council of Ireland