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Message LAI / CILIP IrelandJoint Conference2025conference theme‘Shining Lights’

WelcomeAs President of the Library Association of Ireland, it is my honour to welcome you tothe vibrant city of Cork for the 62nd LAI/CILIP Ireland Joint Annual Conference. Weare thrilled to collaborate once more with our esteemed colleagues from CILIPIreland for this special gathering.Our conference theme, Shining Lights, invites you to draw inspiration fromgroundbreaking initiatives spanning various library sectors. This year's keynotespeakers will challenge us to reimagine our perspectives on artificial intelligenceand the climate story. Throughout the conference, we will delve into pioneeringlibrary services designed to meet the needs of current and future library users. Ourdiverse programme highlights innovative practices across public, academic,school, and health library sectors.An essential component of our conference is the trade exhibition, showcasing thefinest in library products and services. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to allexhibitors and sponsors, whose support is invaluable to the success of this event. Istrongly encourage delegates to explore the exhibition and take advantage of theresources presented.The true essence of a successful conference lies in the networking, engagement,and collaboration among delegates. Whether you are here as a speaker, exhibitoror a delegate, we are grateful for your presence. May your experience be bothenlightening and enjoyable, fostering connections that last beyond this event. Finally, I wish to express sincere appreciation to the Conference Committee fortheir tireless dedication and commitment in bringing this conference to fruition. Aspecial word of thanks to our colleagues in Cork City Libraries, Cork CountyLibraries and UCC Library who have given so generously of their time andresources to organising the conference. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find inspiration and knowledge at everyturn.Eileen MorrisseyPresident, The Library Association of Ireland

On behalf of CILIP Ireland, I am delighted to welcome delegates, speakers andexhibitors to the LAI/CILIP Ireland Annual Joint Conference and Exhibition 2025 inCork City. This year, the conference theme ‘’Shining Lights’ gives us the opportunity as aprofession to be inspired by innovation and learning from a range of experts,practitioners and visionaries in our sector who will challenge us to think and takeaction.Over the next two days we will have the opportunity to hear about the fantasticwork being delivered in our profession and to look ahead to some of the strategicdevelopments in the library, information and knowledge management sector. Itwill be exciting to hear perspectives from colleagues starting out on theirprofessional journeys as well as impactful stories about transformational change.We will reflect on the richness and variety of libraries as we take valuableopportunities to meet new colleagues and strengthen connections over these twodays.I am delighted at the variety of exhibitors joining us to bring us up to date withinnovations and advancements which underpin and support our professionalpractice.Particular thanks are noted for the LAI and Conference Organising Committee forall their work in developing and delivering the programme.Thanks also for the generosity of our sponsors without whom it would not bepossible to come together for a conference like this.I am looking forward to meeting you all at the Kingsley Hotel.Julie Reid,Chair, CILIP IrelandWelcome

Keynote SpeakerProfilePiers TordayPiers Torday’s award-winning, best-selling Last Wild series examines themes ofbiodiversity loss for young readers, and his latest, The Wild Before, was a showcaseattempt at publishing a sustainable book commercially. Other books include ThereMay Be A Castle, The Lost Magician and Midnight Treasure.His plays The Box of Delights (RSC), The Child in the Snow, and The Wind in theWilton’s (Wilton’s Music Hall) were produced to the sustainable standards in theTheatre Green Book.He has been a judge for the British Book Awards, the BookTrust LifetimeAchievement Award and is on the International Selection Panel for the Laureate forIrish Fiction 2025.Piers is also the first Chair of the UK Society of Authors Sustainability NetworkSteering Committee and was involved in launching the Society’s Tree to Mecampaign on sustainability in publishing, a subject on which he writes, broadcastsand campaigns regularly. From Tree to Me: Changing the Climate StoryThe award-winning author of The Last Wild and publishing sustainabilitycampaigner Piers Torday discusses how authors, publishers, and libraries canchange the climate story for the next generation, from the stories on the page tothe values of that page. He will share a recent case study of sustainable publishing and an update on theUK Society of Authors’ “Tree to Me” campaign, showing how individuals andorganisations can make a difference working together.

Keynote SpeakerProfileAphra KerrAphra Kerr is Professor of Digital Media and Communication at the School ofInformation and Communication Studies at University College Dublin in Ireland anda Senior Advisor at the UCD Centre for Digital Policy. She is co-PI at the Research Ireland funded ADAPT Centre for AI and Digital ContentTechnology (2021-2026) where her research focuses on the ethics and valuesunderpinning the design and governance of AI and how to mediate the impacts ofAI systems. She is also co-PI on the Algowatch project (2023-2025), funded by Creative Europe.This project is co-creating interactive resources to improve algorithmic literacy,critical thinking and digital competencies. Aphra is the author of over 100 peer reviewed publications and two books on digitalgames. She has a PhD in Communication Studies (DCU, 2000). and you will find heron LinkedIn, and @aphrak.bsky.comWorkshop: Building Algorithmic and AI LiteracyAI is moving at a rapid speed and sometimes it feels like educators and librariansare losing ground to technology companies. It is time to take back some controland tackle automated mis and disinformation. Starting with a Media and Information Literacy approach, and informed by thelatest European Framework for Digital Competencies, this workshop presents somekey definitions we all need to know and then we will share some hands on activitesand interactive resources we can all use to improve our digital literacy and that ofothers. Chat with your colleagues rather than with GPT. Based on the Algowatchproject. Bring a Windows PC/laptop or Android tablet or phone for the activities.

April 10ProgrammeLocation9:00-10:00Registration, Refreshments & Sponsor visits.10:00-10:10Welcome Address: Eileen Morrissey, CountyLibrarian, Wexford County Council, President of theLibrary Association of IrelandDeane-WoodwardSuite10:10-10:55Keynote: Piers Torday ‘From Tree to Me: Changing theClimate StoryChair: Eileen MorrisseyDeane-WoodwardSuite10:55-11:05Platinum Sponsor Talks 1 - Sord & BibliothecaChair: Eileen MorrisseyDeane-WoodwardSuite11:05-11:45Breakout Session 1: Chair Denise SchroderLightning Talks: Shining a Light: Showcasing InnovativeWork 1. Michelle Rumley & Mairead Mooney, UCC Library,‘Transition Year Participation Program in AcademicLibraries: A Community Engagement Endeavour’ 2. Brian Mulcahy, Fingal Libraries, ‘Makerspaces inPublic libraries’ 3. Fergus O’Callaghan, Cork County Library & ArtsService ‘Enhancing Digital Inclusion through XRTechnology’4. Marie Boran, ‘University of Galway Library, ‘200 yearsof Galway surveys’: County Galway Heritage Serviceand the Hardiman Library on a topographical journey’ 5. Margaret O'Sullivan, Cork City Libraries, ‘Usinginnovation and creativity to grow a relevant andeffective Music Library service across all branches ofCork City LibraryDeane-WoodwardSuite Programme

April 10ProgrammeLocation11:05-11:45Breakout Session 1: Lightning Talks: Luminous Connections: Librariesand Community Engagement/ Beacons ofChange: Libraries Leading Transformative Change 1. Clare Doyle, Cork City Libraries ‘Phoenix – aCollaborative Renewal of Children’s and YoungPeople’s Services’ 2. Gabriela Portillo, Mary Immaculate College, ‘Thelibrary isn’t just books’ : Librarian perspectives onthe social and emotional benefits of libraries foryoung children’3. Grainne Diffley, Cork County Council Library &Art Service, ‘What’s the password? Connecting tocommunities with new technologies andinnovative library spaces’ 4. Bridie O'Neill, IReL, ‘NORF PID Roadmap -presented by IReL’ 5. Lynne Kennedy, Cork City Libraries, ‘Big Impact,Small Budget: Hosting a Library Event that Shines’ The WrightSuite11:45-12:15Refreshments & Sponsor VisitsProgramme

April 10ProgrammeLocation12:15-1:30Breakout Session 2: Chair Rachel Burke Parallel Papers: Luminous Connections: Librariesand Community Engagement 1. Christine Cullen, RCSI Library, ‘Developingengagement & collaboration with the Library usercommunity- an RCSI perspective.’ 2. Joseph Peelo, JCSP Library, ‘Kapow! Promotingreading for pleasure amongst primary schoolstudents using comic books’ 3. Paul Kelly, Libraries NI ‘Learn at Lunch, Move withLibraries NI and Mindfulness Initiatives at LibrariesNI’Deane-WoodwardSuiteMeeting of the County and City LibrariansThe WrightSuite1:30-2:30Lunch & Sponsor Visits2:30-5:30Library VisitsKINSALE LIBRARY (max 50) The James O'Neill Building (Old Mill) wasconverted in 2023 into an innovative three-storeypublic library and exhibition space. Laid out overthree levels on a new engineered timber structurehung from the eaves of the existing ruin, thisdevelopment has transformed the library serviceoffered to the people of Kinsale and the widercommunity. The project has won a range ofarchitectural and conservation awards sinceopening.Programme

April 10ProgrammeLocationUCC LIBRARY + CORK COUNTY COUNCIL UCC’s main Boole Library on the historical campusquadrangle. Boole Library houses a number oftechnology-rich spaces including the DigitalScholarship Studio, the podcasting and one-touchrecording Library Studios as well as other flexible andmodern library spaces. The Local Studies Library has an extensive collectionof specialist reference works and importantcollections including the Cork Place Names Archive,the Cork and Irish Collections, the Cork Place namesArchive and the Irish Tourist Association Files. Thecollection of maps provides and insight into thecartographic heritage of the county7:00-8:00Drinks Reception8:00Conference DinnerProgramme

April 11ProgrammeLocation8:00-9:00Registration, Refreshments & Sponsor Visits9:00-9:05Welcome Address: Julie Reid, Chair of CILIP IrelandDeane-WoodwardSuite9:05-9:50Keynote: Aphra Kerr, ‘Expertise and Literacy in the AI Era:Insights from the Algowatch Project Chair: Julie ReidDeane-WoodwardSuite9:50-10:00Platinum Sponsor Talks 2 - Bolinda; 2CQR; DesignConceptChair: Julie Reid10:00-10:45Plenary Session 1: Chair Alan CarberyLightning Talks: Luminous Connections: Libraries andCommunity Engagement 1. Gillian Kelleher, Cork County Library & Arts Service,‘Luminous Ties: The Role of the Age-Friendly Group inEmpowering the Community’ 2. Samantha Morrissey, Clare Libraries, ‘GrowingTogether: Seeding your Community Library’ 3. Caoimhe McGuinness, Cork City Libraries,‘Harmonising Communities: The Ukelele Programme forOlder People at Hollyhill Library’ 4. Joanne Touhey-Francis, TUS Library, ‘Future Stars:Showcasing excellent work from early career or juniorLibrary Staff’ 5. Mary Conway, Waterford City & County CouncilLibrary Service, ‘Writers at Waterford Libraries’Deane-WoodwardSuiteProgramme

April 11ProgrammeLocation10:45-11:00Registration, Refreshments & Sponsor Visits11:00-12:30Breakout Session 3 Chair: Gerardine Blee 1. Dr Jessica Bates, Professor Kelsey Shanks, JanetPeden, Dr Cathal Coyle, Angela Dynes, Dr Roua AlTaweel, Jeanie Parris, ‘The Ulster University MosulLibrary Project’ 2. Jessica Carson Marbe, ‘The Slow CameraExchange’Deane-WoodwardSuiteAphra Kerr WorkshopThe WrightSuite12:30-1:30Lunch & Sponsor Visits1:30-2:30Plenary Session 2: Chair: Lorna Dodd Deane-WoodwardSuiteLightning Talks: Illuminating the Path: WorkforceDevelopment and Succession Planning 1. Elaine Harrington, LAI Munster Regional Section, ‘ASection Once Again: Reforming LAI Munster RegionalSection’ 2. Hannah Lynch, Cork County Library & Arts Service,‘The New Chapter: A lightning talk on supporting andencouraging library staff in the first year’ 3. Niamh Lucey, HSLG, ‘Lighting the Way: a CPDpathway for health librarians’Programme

April 11ProgrammeLocation2:00-3:30Plenary Session 3: Chair: David O’BrienDeane-WoodwardSuiteParallel Papers 1. Elizabeth Keane, Galway Public Libraries, ‘Fish &Chips Sustainability’ 2. Ben Hussey, Cork City Libraries, ‘Bookworms Unite!Wormeries at Cork City Libraries’ 3. Robin Stewart, JCSP Libraries, ‘From the Library toThe Streets: A Student-Led Festival of Belonging’ 4. Zara Little-Campbell, Galway Public Libraries,'Eastside Arts Festival - Community Connections andCultural Celebrations’3:30pmConference CloseEileen Morrissey, County Librarian, Wexford CountyCouncil, President of the Library Association of IrelandDeane-WoodwardSuiteProgramme

How to GetInvolvedMembership provides you with access toinformation and support to helpdevelop your career. gives you access to a largerange of CPD opportunities. platform to communicate with,network and learn from otherlibrarians.Further details are available onthe LAI and CILIP websiteshttps://www.libraryassociation.ie/membership/Websiteshttps://www.cilip.org.uk/page/JoinAsAMember

Sord Data SystemsLtdwww.sord.ieBibliothecawww.bibliotheca.comBolindawww.bolindalibrary.com/uk2CQRwww.2cqr.ieThe Design Conceptwww.thedesignconcept.co..ukThanks to all sponsors for their continued support.Your attendance is a valued contribution to theConference Experience.Sponsors2025Platinum: Sord, Bibliotheca, Bolinda,2CQR, The Design Concept

Surfboxwww.surfbox.ieLorensbergwww.lorensbergs.co.ukDPI Scanning Ireland Ltd.www.imaging.ieOutside The Box LearningResourcewww.otb.ieInterleafwww.interleaf.ieBetter World Bookswww.betterworldbooks.comWork Rest Playwww.workrestplay.netSponsors2025Gold: Surfbox, Lorensberg, DPI ScanningIreland LtdSilver: Outside the Box Learning Resource, Interleaf, BetterWorld Books, Work Rest Play

Storytime Podswww.storytimepods.com.auJK Multimediawww.jksensory.iejames@jkmultimedia.ieUniversity ofUlsterwww.ulster.ac.ukThanks to all sponsors for their continued support.Your attendance is a valued contribution to theConference Experience.Sponsors2025Other Sponsorship provided by: Storytime Pods, JKMultimedia, University of Ulster.

Thanks to you all for your participation at theLAI/CILIP Ireland Joint Conference 2025.Safe Journey Home!Conference 2025