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Annual Report 2005

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Dear Member,

It gives me great pleasure to present to you the Annual Report of the Library Association of Ireland, which documents the work of the Association throughout 2005.

Cuireann sé áthas mór orm tuarascáil bhliantúil Cumann Leabharlann na hÉireann a chur ós bhur gcomhair agus na cláracha éagsula oibre a chur an Cumann i grích i mbliana a léiriu.

The past year was distinguished by the 150th anniversary of the first Public Libraries Act and the celebration of the work of librarians and libraries through the seminal Library Ireland Week, (7-12 March). At present, we are finalizing preparations for this year’s event, and while it is still at an embryonic stage of development, we can, through all our efforts, entwine the first week of March in the public mind as Library Ireland Week.

The groups and sections are to be applauded for producing a wide and varied programme of events, seminars and conferences. The past year also witnessed the collaboration of both the County & City Librarians’ Section and the Public Libraries Section in a joint conference to commemorate the 1855 Public Libraries Act. Following the emergence of three new groups in 2004, we welcome the reforming of both the Academic and Special Libraries Section and the Western Regional Section. We also look forward to the reorganization of the Munster Regional Section in the spring of 2006.

A meeting was held in Dublin City Library and Archive in December, and, as a consequence, an action plan was agreed, which will forge closer cooperation and enhanced communication between the Executive Board and the Groups and Sections. There will be increased emphasis this year on developing a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). With this in mind, we are delighted to present, at this year’s AGM, the award of Associateship to three more members of the Association: Suzanne McKeon, Denis O’Kelly, Niamh Walker-Headon. We would also encourage other suitably qualified personal members to apply for this award – this provides evidence of continuing professional development.

The Association continues to be an advocate for libraries and information services throughout Ireland. Two delegations from the LAI met Ministers and officials at government buildings to discuss issues relating to the Information Society, Public Lending Right and Copyright.

The Annual Joint Conference of the Library Association of Ireland and CILIP Ireland was held in April, in the City Hotel, Derry. Once again, an excellent programme on varied topics appealed to delegates from diverse library and information backrounds. It included the 1st Annual COLICO lecture, delivered by Ombudsman and Information Commissioner, Emily O’Reilly. Delegates were also delighted that Nobel Peace Prize winner, John Hume, was present as the Conference Guest Speaker. Congratulations to the organizing committee and especially to Conference Secretary, Elga Logue and Programme Secretary, Brendan Teeling.

I would also like to thank you, the members, for your loyalty and dedication to the Association over many years. I would encourage as many of you as possible to become actively involved and further advance the vibrancy and development of our organization and profession.

I wish to thank the officers and Executive Board members for their dedication and hard work over the past year. We are also grateful for the contributions made by members who served on committees, panels, groups and sections.

We also acknowledge with gratitude the contribution of former Development Manager, Antoinette Robinson. We are delighted to welcome Betty Boardman to the post and we look forward to working with her in planning an ambitious programme for 2006.

As President of the Library Association of Ireland, I would like to extend my best wishes to you all for the coming year.

Ruth Flanagan, President

Download Full Report [ pdf, 326kb, 36pp.]