Sustainable research
The overall aim of the long-term preservation of archives and special collections is access – that is, to ensure everyone has open and equal access to the collections in their care. We do this by providing as many points of entry into our collections as possible, either physically in our reading room, teaching sessions or exhibitions, or online, via our website and blog, online research resources, online exhibitions and the UL Digital Library.
Providing remote access to collections where possible has two major benefits in terms of sustainability. Researchers from all over the world can access our collections, without having to travel to UL, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. The Special Collections and Archives Department also offers ‘virtual’ reading room appointments in certain circumstances, for researchers who are unable to travel, enhancing the ‘open access’ policy of the archive. Providing access to digital copy where possible is also a means of preserving particularly fragile documents, as handling and use are significantly reduced.
UL Library continually adds new collections to its Digital Library, while the library itself subscribes to a wide variety of global online databases and document collections.
The below images show original items in our collections, Fisher’s Scenery of Ireland (1792) and Ferrar’s History of Limerick (1787), which are also available to a global audience through the UL Digital Library, and GALE’s Primary Sources online database through the UL Library website.
(click image to zoom)
Fisher’s Scenery of Ireland (1792)
Ferrar’s History of Limerick (1787)
© All images held at Glucksman Library. Please contact us for copyright information and permission to reproduce.
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