The HardiBlog

Receiving the prestigious Michael D. Higgins Archive and Book Collection is both an honour and a moment of great significance for the University of Galway Library.   This collection offers a remarkable insight into the life and work of Ireland’s ninth President, spanning two full presidential terms.   The archive includes a rich array of material, from meticulously edited speech drafts bearing his handwritten annotations to his personal correspondence, consisting of letters, emails and copy replies, all arranged alphabetically by correspondent and reflects the written dialogue he had with a wide and diverse network of individuals over his two terms as President. The collection also includes press cuttings, documenting media coverage of his two terms of office. With over 75 archival boxes spanning his first term and more than 150 boxes expected in total, the collection promises to be a vital resource for scholars, historians, and the public alike once it has been catalogued b...

The Open and Digital Research Department at the University of Galway Library offers expert advice and support for research and open and digital research practice. We provide a comprehensive suite of services and resources tailored to every stage of the research lifecycle. Whether you are a PhD researcher, postgraduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or an experienced academic, the Library is here to help you maximise the visibility, integrity, and impact of your work. Library as a Space to Learn, Connect, and Collaborate Modern research libraries are no longer defined solely by their collections. Today, they play an active role in supporting the research lifecycle by providing infrastructure, expertise, and services that meet the needs of researchers. This includes guidance on data management planning, support for open publishing, advice on selecting appropriate digital tools, and assistance with understanding funder requirements. The Library aims to offer these services i...

The ERIC (Education Resources Information Centre) database has announced that there has been a change in content coverage. Since April 2025 there is a significant reduction in new records being added to ERIC. However, all existing records on the database will continue to be available.  ERIC is an authoritative database of indexed and full-text education literature and resources. The database is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education and contains 1,900,000 records.  Access to the ERIC database is available via the library catalogue . Collection Development

The Open Research Forum: Citizen Science recently took place in April. These events were organised to celebrate Citizen Science Month in collaboration with Oscar Diaz , the European Citizen Science Ambassador for Ireland, along with Ruth Hynes (Head of R esearch and I nnovation Strategic Development), Dr. Liz Colema n ( School of Natural Sciences ), and Éle Qui n n ( Medicine) fro m the University of Galway. Organised by Dr. Jen Smith, Open Research Librar ian at the University of Galway Library, these events brought together an eclectic group of artists, u niversity staff and students, scientists , i nnovators , and members of the public to celebrate and learn about Citizen Science projects taking place locally and further afield.     Oscar Diaz listening to project pitches from the Innovator Soc at the University of Galway Library MakerSpace , which is open to all students and staff.       Speirscéalta/Stories of the Air Book Launch   ...