CONUL’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029, Shaping Tomorrow: A Strategy for Ireland’s Research Libraries, was launched at the annual Conul Conference in Tullamore on May 28th.
Conul Chair Ciara McCaffrey (University Librarian & Director, University of Limerick) introduced the strategy:
I’m delighted to introduce Shaping Tomorrow: A Strategy for Ireland’s Research Libraries, CONUL’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. This strategy is a shared vision for the future of research libraries across the island of Ireland. It reflects our values, our strengths, and our ambitions.
Shaping Tomorrow provides a roadmap for the next chapter in the evolution of Irish research libraries. It is designed to foster collaboration, strengthen community and drive meaningful transformation across Ireland’s research libraries.
At its core, the strategy focuses on three priorities, with clear deliverables and priorities:
- Connections & Community – strengthening the networks and people that make our sector thrive.
- One Voice – building a shared CONUL identity to advocate for research libraries.
- Research Collections – working collectively to enhance access to and visibility of Ireland’s rich cultural and scholarly heritage.
The strategy emerged through a collaborative process in 2024, including workshops, consultations, and strategic discussions. I would like to extend my thanks to all those who participated. Shaping Tomorrow is about where we go from here, together. I’m excited for what lies ahead and proud to be on this journey with the CONUL community.