Rare Books Group

Chair: Ken Bergin (University of Limerick).

Treasurer: Frances Clarke (National Library of Ireland).

Secretary: Evelyn Flanagan (UCD Library). Email: evelyn.flanagan@ucd.ie

Committee: Marie Boran (N.U.I.G.), Frances Clarke (National Library of Ireland), Elaine Charwat (U.C.C.), Bernadette Cunningham (Royal Irish Academy), Evelyn Flanagan (U.C.D.), Loretto O’Donohoe (N.U.I.G), Penny Woods (N.U.I. Maynooth), Celine Ward (Chester Beatty).

The Rare Books Group caters particularly for staff working with early printed books and special collections, but its membership is drawn from all types of libraries and information centres throughout Ireland. Non-LAI members may join the mailing list for a fee.

The Group is mainly concerned with the care and preservation of early printed books and special collections, and with cultivating an awareness of the importance of these collections.   A full-day seminar takes place every year, in November, with a programme of papers on a particular theme, such as the history of the Irish book trade, conservation, and binding. An annual workshop is also held.  The Group organises visits to libraries and other places of interest as well as a full-day outing in early Summer.

The Committee is made up of people from a wide range of libraries around the country, all of them sharing an enthusiasm for early printed books, which they are eager to pass on.