Collections

What We Do

We explore, research, and identify best practice in collection development, collection management, resource description, access and storage, with particular emphasis on shared infrastructures

We advise CONUL Board on collections-related matters.

We exchange ideas, experiences and examples of best practice.

We liaise with all CONUL Groups as appropriate, in particular, Unique and Distinct Collections Group and the CONUL Research Group on issues of mutual interest and concern and CONUL Training & Development re training and development related to collection matters.

 

Our Activities

We undertake feasibility studies, e.g. on a CONUL Union Catalogue, on a CONUL Distributed Print Archive, or on a CONUL Collection Development Policy, making recommendations to the Board

We organise seminars, workshops and training events

We meet at least quarterly: three online and one in-person meeting per year, with additional meetings as required

Training & Courses

A workshop on a shared collection development policy, 10 June 2021, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

Seminar in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, 24 October 2018: “Collection Management in Ireland: Sharing Experiences”

Who We Are

Chair: Julia Christopher UCD
Deputy Chair: Ronan Kennedy UG
Secretary: Maire Bradley QUB
Secretary: Isabel O’Kelly QUB
Communications Officer: Cronan O’Doibhlin UCC

Members: Mary Kiely DCU, Yvette Campbell MU, Honora Faul NLI, Eliska Kormakova RCSI, Christoph Schmidt-Supprian TCD, Aidin O’Sullivan TU Dublin, Mary Dundon UL

Member Spotlight

The McClay Library - Queen’s University Belfast

The McClay Library, which opened in 2009, blends the best features of a traditional library with the latest technology.

It brings together wide-ranging library, computing and media services in a single location as well as offering study facilities suitable for quiet study and group work.

The Library houses 1.2 million volumes and has over 2,000 reader seats. Facilities include the C.S. Lewis Reading Room, IT training rooms, a Language Centre, support areas and a cafe, as well as the University’s Special Collections, subject-related inquiry points and a vast range of printed works.