Archival Interventions: Integrating and Embedding Archival Material into Research Barry Houlihan, Archivist, James Hardiman Library

Overview: Embedding Archives Into research Current Changes? Realising One’s Strengths Research in Action Developing Campus links Archivist as teacher Sustained Outreach Digital Opportunities James Hardiman Library

Managing the Archive - What is Changing? Archiv(es)/ists Types of Records Place of Access Methods of Preservation Means of Conservation Ethics in Access Security in Storage Collaborative Data Sharing Users Expectations Instant Access High Quality Totality of material Commercially exploitable Digitally malleable Methods of Dissemination James Hardiman Library

Change as Opportunity: Opening the Archives Collection development along key research priorities Examples: Drama, Theatre and Performance Irish Landed Estates Northern Ireland, Conflict and Human Rights The West of Ireland: Language, Culture, Landscape Literature and Film Galway and Local History James Hardiman Library

Engaging with the Campus Community and Beyond

Archives Supporting Research James Hardiman Library

Digitisation & Digital Repository: Challenges and Opportunities Develop expertise and workflows in digitisation Acquire born- digital collections Make accessible digital surrogates to researchers Facilities new methods of research: Using AV material with print Allows for new studies and collaborations New thinking on how to use archives Embracing Digital Humanities as new discipline James Hardiman Library

What is Changing?: - What can the archive now show us? The archive can now even show us what was never on stage

Being Visible in Research - Aiding Citations/User Friendly Usage

Abbey Digitisation Project - Overview James Hardiman Library

Outreach – Engaging on and off campus: Symposiums Exhibitions Publications

- Exhibitions ‘Performing Ireland: 1904 – 2014 A Digital Journey through Irish Theatre’ Collaborative exhibition between Hardiman Library, NUI Galway and Abbey Theatre, Dublin James Hardiman Library

Promoting OUR Expertise:

Partners in Research: Each year a consultation session where Archivists, Academics and Research Directors meet all new Phd students: Academic pooling of knowledge Updates on collections available Project topics shared Suitable collections directed for use James Hardiman Library

The Hardiman Building – A Hub for research Combined Library & research space All Phds in H & SS located in the building Exhibition Space Archives training room Seminar Rooms James Hardiman Library

Outcomes: -Embedded into Teaching & Research Modules by NUI Galway Academics in Drama –“The Abbey Theatre Digital Archive” –“Discover the Archives” –“History of the Book” Classes and tutorials on using archives, discovering archives and linking archives by NUI Galway Archivists –Various Schools and Faculties Conference presentations to research and academic community

Interdisciplinary research – Linking Archives Northern Ireland – Boyle/Duddy/O’Brádaigh archives

Boyle, Northern Ireland & Abbey Theatre – New Understandings of the Conflict

Linked Collections: Robinson, De Buitléar, Balfour James Hardiman Library Landscape, People, Culture - Documenting the West

Archivist as Teacher: How to use, approach & understand archives Archives Reading Room as continuation of the learning/research cycle: Lecture Room - > Assignments -> Reading Room/Archivist 1 st question is always “What do you have ….” Active role in teaching users HOW to research Module in Development on Archives in Research for Sep 2015 James Hardiman Library

What Lies Ahead?? Continue to meet user demands Maintain a focused collection policy on research collections Expand on digital expertise and publishing Develop archivist led teaching module Build on existing and new campus and external collaborations Be an active partner in teaching and research planning Emphasise not WHICH collection you use in research, it’s the idea of USING Collections is what matters James Hardiman Library

Thank You & Stay in