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Public Library Research Programme
Reports of the Public Library Research Programme:
Meeting the challenges of cultural diversity
Download PDF version of the report
Taobh Tire- a better library service for rural and isolated communities
Download PDF version of the report
Projects funded by the Public Library Research Programme:
Marketing for Public Libraries
Download PDF version of the report
The Value of Public Libraries in the Delivery of E-Government Services
Download PDF version of the report

The Public Library Research Programme is an initiative established in response to the recommendations of the national policy report, Branching Out: A New Public Library Service. It administers access to a public libraries research fund, which assists local authorities to carry out research themselves and to commission research from suitable third party service providers. This is co-funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities.

The PLRP is supported by An Chomhairle Leabharlanna and managed by the Public Library Research Committee, which includes members from the Library Association of Ireland, the Department of Information and Library Studies, National University of Ireland, Dublin, An Chomhairle Leabharlanna and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The PLRP implements the requirement, identified in the Branching Out report, for an initiative focused on the provision of new, innovative and improved library services.

The Public Library Research Programme is focused on research on the provision of new, or development of innovative library services.  Projects must break new ground, either by delivering new services, developing existing services, or pioneering new initiatives with different partners.

The most recent call under the Public Library Research Programme was in April 2009. The Public Library Research Programme Committee based this call on the areas for development identified in Branching Out, Future Directions:

  • Social Inclusion

  • Knowledge Economy

  • Economic Sustainability

For further information on the Public Library Research Programme please contact Annette Kelly or Susan O'Toole at An Chomhairle Leabharlanna.