Dear LAI Members,
On behalf of the Council of the Library Association of Ireland, I would like to wish all of our members and supporters a very Happy Christmas.
In the face of the many challenges faced by library staff in 2023, our role as providers of trusted information that is accessible to all has never been more important and valued by our communities. We as library professionals continue to make a real difference to people’s lives whether we work in public, academic, health, school, special, law, government or other types of libraries.
During 2023 the LAI has advocated at national level for the role of libraries in combatting disinformation and in promoting information and media literacy. The LAI, through its School Libraries Group, has also led a campaign for the expansion of school libraries staffed by professional librarians.
We look to 2024 with great optimism for our profession and for the progress of many of the issues of concern to our members. These include the equitable and fair access to ebooks, the promotion of fully inclusive collections and services and the championing of intellectual freedom.
As President of the Library Association of Ireland (LAI), I was proud to be invited to Áras an Uachtaráin recently with LAI Council colleagues. President Higgins, during our visit, praised library staff and commended us on the important work that we do on a daily basis. President Higgins remarked that the work of librarians has never been more crucial than it is today.
I would like to thank you for your continued support for the LAI particularly through the work of the Groups, Sections and Taskforces. I hope you have a safe and peaceful Christmas, and I look forward to working with you again in 2024.
Eileen Morrissey
President Library Association of Ireland
