Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Menu Search

About Us

Research Collections is comprised of four separate collections – Early Printed Books, Manuscripts and Archives, Maps, and Music. This blog will publish posts from each of these departments, as well as from the Preservation and Conservation department. It will also include posts describing specific projects associated with any one of these departments.

The Department of Early Printed Books and Special Collections (EPB) is responsible for some of the oldest and most valuable books in Ireland. Along with early printed books and pamphlets, it collects private press items, limited editions, signed books, Irish literature and much else that is of value to researchers.

The Manuscripts & Archives Research Collection is responsible for research material which exists nowhere else in the world, from the world-famous 9th-century Christian Gospel the Book of Kells, to the business archives of our University. We collect literary archives, manuscripts which reflect the history of Ireland, and the personal records of individuals.

The Music Research Collection comprise both manuscripts and early printed items. Highlights include the papers of leading twentieth-century Irish composers, nineteenth-century traditional music collections, and extensive printed music collections assembled by the music theorist and composer Ebenezer Prout and by the Balfour family of Townley Hall, Co Meath. 

The Glucksman Map Library curates an extensive collection of printed maps, charts and atlases relating to Ireland and, in less detail, Great Britain, Europe and the world. The collection documents change in the Irish landscape over the past two hundred years and more. It is supported by secondary works on the history of map-making and map-makers. 

The Preservation and Conservation Department is responsible for the treatment and care of all of the Library’s collections. The Department undertakes conservation treatments and research; condition surveys and documentation; environmental monitoring; boxing and re-housing projects; preparation of material for exhibition and loan; and preventive care activities. It plays a lead role in risk assessment and mitigation, and provides advice and instruction to Library staff on collection care.

All content and images on this blog, unless otherwise stated, are copyright of the Library of Trinity College Dublin.