Growing Academic Connections at Armagh Public Library

Posted on: 25 August 2016

Trinity College Dublin and Armagh Public Library have celebrated a growing relationship between them with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. The ceremony was held in Armagh Public Library on Tuesday 23rd August. Dr Patrick Prendergast, Provost and President of Trinity College Dublin signed on behalf of the University while Archbishop Richard Clarke signed as Chairman of the Governors and Guardians of Armagh Public Library

The Memorandum of Understanding is a formal basis for collaboration between the University and Library.  Its aim is to support academic research, by encouraging access by scholars to the resources of both institutions; facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise between researchers; and providing a framework for the development of collaborative research proposals, including joint or collaborative applications for funding.

Provost Dr Prendergast said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Armagh Public Library, Northern Ireland’s oldest library. This exciting collaboration will enable opportunities for great scholarship and future research partnerships on the island of Ireland.”

The Archbishop said: “Trinity College Dublin is one of the great European universities. Its historic library is the finest in Ireland. There has also been a very long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between Trinity College and the Church of Ireland. In this context, the new relationship between the University and Armagh Public Library is especially to be welcomed. Although smaller, the Library at Armagh is of great significance as an eighteenth century collection, offering real resources for the study of the period. I am delighted at this initiative on the part of the two institutions, and look forward to much fruitful collaboration in the years to come.”