Ireland
Statement of solidarity with library and information professionals in Ukraine
We the undersigned members of CONUL, the Consortium of National and University Libraries in Ireland, unequivocally condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. We are gravely concerned about the humanitarian impact of the war on the lives of individuals and support the international efforts to assist Ukrainian people who have been forced to flee and those who have stayed.
University and national librarians, archivists and information professionals play a vital role in preserving and protecting collections of national and civic importance. Libraries are places of peace that signify inclusivity and the open sharing of knowledge. Ukrainian libraries house collections of national and international significance, relating to the development of Ukrainian culture, identity and language. It is critical that these collections are protected for the benefit and knowledge of all Ukrainians, future generations, and people across the world.
We call on political leaders everywhere to do all in their power to find a way to end the violence, and we stand united in support of Ukrainian people.
John McDonough, University Librarian, Dublin City University
Cathal McCauley, University Librarian, Maynooth University
Katherine McSharry, Acting Director, National Library of Ireland
John Cox, University Librarian, National University of Ireland, Galway
Jane O’Neill, University Librarian and Assistant Director of Information Services, Queens University Belfast
Kate Kelly, Director, Library Services, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine & Health Sciences
Barbara McCormack, Academy Librarian, Royal Irish Academy
Allison Kavanagh, Head of Library Services, Technological University Dublin
Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist, Trinity College Dublin
Janet Peden, University Librarian & Deputy Chief Digital and Information Officer, Ulster University
Colette McKenna, Director of Library Services, University College Cork
Dr Sandra Collins, University Librarian, University College Dublin
Gobnait O’Riordan, Director of Library and Information Services, University of Limerick
