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A major milestone for research

Public libraries will have free access to The Irish Times Digital Archive. Librarian Donal Tinney explains the value of this rich trove of information

The availability of The Irish Times from 1859 to the present day on the Internet is a major milestone in the world of historical, political and social research in Ireland and indeed worldwide.

In a library context, the digitisation of The Irish Times opens up a heretofore hidden or at the very least relatively inaccessible wonderland of literary, historical and social treasures to the student, teacher or the curious. The current network of over 360 public libraries, which provides wi-fi and broadband enabled Internet pcs throughout the country, will give free access to readers who wish to access the digital version of The Irish Times through the website www.askaboutireland.ie.

Such is the breadth and geographic spread of the information contained within The Irish Times that its appeal should be equally wide and varied across all the generations and people of Ireland.

First hand accounts of historical events such as the sinking of the Lusitania off Co Cork, Easter 1916, the first meeting between Capt. Terence O'Neill and Mr Seán Lemass to mention but a few are now readily available to the reader. These articles coupled with photographs and editorial comments will facilitate both teachers and students and will act as primary sources for students at all levels of education. The local historian will find in the digital archive a rich source of information on their local area.

While the major historical moments, as one would expect, are very well documented, it is possibly the less famous moments or the relatively obscure events both serious and light-hearted that may be of equal interest to individuals.

The Irish Times over the centuries has been pivotal in its support of the arts and culture. In particular, it has cultivated and supported many great writers down through the years.

The literary genius of Flann O'Brien is available to all to revisit in the Myles na Gopaleen column entitled Cruiskeen Lawn. In addition, the contributions from many aspiring and established writers to the newspaper in both Irish and English are now once again accessible. Reviews of the Arts and artist are searchable, a very important tool in documenting the evolution of artists careers and performances.

The social columns such as An Irishman's and Irishwoman's Diary along with the advertisements gives the reader a fascinating insight into the social and commercial scene in Ireland.

Genealogical research is facilitated with access to the births, marriages and deaths columns for the period of the newspaper.

Simplex and Crosaire crossword fans may once again attempt their completion in the knowledge and comfort that the solution is only a click away.

Doing an interview? Why not search for the details of the company from the business pages.

The digitisation of The Irish Times and its free access though the public library network is as a result of the generosity of both The Irish Times and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, under the Changing Libraries Programme which is co-ordinated by An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (The Library Council).

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in partnership with The Irish Times have contributed enormously to the realisation of one of the basic tenets of the public library system, namely, the democratisation of information for all and for this they are both to be commended.

Donal Tinney is Sligo County Librarian.