Publications
This is the Museums & Archives publications section. Here you can find all publications, reports and presentations for this heritage area of interest.
Universal Declaration on Archives (2011)
The Universal Declaration on Archives was adopted by the 36th Session of the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2011. The Declaration was developed by a special working group of the International Council on Archives and has been endorsed by the ICA as a key pillar of its outreach and advocacy strategy.
The Declaration is an important step in improving understanding and awareness of archives among the general public and key decision-makers. It is a powerful, succinct statement of the relevance of archives in modern society.
Bolton Library, County Tipperary (2007)
The Bolton Library, Cashel, is one of Ireland’s great, but little known treasures. The bequest of Archbishop Bolton, it provides a rich insight into the cultured milieu in which such a patron lived and the wide breadth of his learning and aspirations. It complements other such collections in Ireland, from the same period, such as the Worth Library and Marsh’s Library, both in Dublin. The donation of the Bolton Library to subsequent generations provided a legacy beyond price.
Download Conservation Plan: Bolton Library, County Tipperary [PDF 5.15MB].
Scoping Study on the Creation of a Naval or Maritime Museum (2007)
In keeping with the aims of its Strategic Plan 2007–2011, the Heritage Council, in partnership with the Irish Naval Service, has commissioned this study. The study (DRAFT) complements the Heritage Council’s key ‘shared vision’ to ‘work in partnership for the conservation of our national heritage through encouraging its accessibility and enjoyment by everyone.’ The draft ‘Scoping Study’ is presented here to the public for wider consultation and feedback.
Download Scoping Study on the Creation of a Naval or Maritime Museum [PDF 4.4MB].
Audit of Maritime Collections (2006)
This audit was commissioned by the Heritage Council in July 2005, with the aim of assisting the conservation of Ireland’s boating heritage in both the maritime and inland waterway communities.
The Future of Maritime & Inland Waterways Collections (2006)
Read about the proceedings of this seminar, held in Athlone in 2006, on Ireland’s maritime and inland waterways boating heritage.
Download The Future of Maritime & Inland Waterways Collections (2006)[PDF 2.7MB]
A Survey of Irish Archive Collections (2005)
Given the fundamental importance of archives to our cultural, political and social heritage, as well as their key role in compliance with legislation, the well-being of the archive sector should concern us all. The Heritage Council’s survey of the archive sector is intended to gather information which will provide an indication of the health or otherwise of that sector.
Download A Survey of Irish Archives Collections [PDF 956KB].
Museum Standards Programme for Ireland - Guidelines (2004)
These guidelines were developed during the Heritage Council’s pilot study to develop a standards and accreditation scheme for the Irish Museum Sector.
Download Museum Standards Programme for Ireland - Guidelines [PDF 328k]
The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland - Eligibility Criteria (2004)
The Heritage Council’s main commitment to collections care comes through its support of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI). This important initiative, with participants from a wide range of Irish collecting institutions, sets out to raise standards of care across Irish museums and galleries.
A Policy Framework for the Irish Museum Sector (2003)
This document sets out the framework from which the Museums Standards Programme for Ireland would be developed.
Download A Policy Framework for the Irish Museum Sector here [PDF 3.16MB].
Caring for Collections : A Manual for Preventive Conservation (1999)
As part of its strategic plan 1997-2000 the Heritage Council identified the need to produce high quality information on aspects of heritage and also the need to assist people in improving their skills to care for and maintain our heritage. This publication aims to inform the general reader of the basic concepts of collection care and good housekeeping. It has also played a key role in the establishment of museum standards in Ireland.
Download Caring for Collections : A manual for preventive conservation [PDF 281KBK].
Towards Policies for Ireland's Heritage: The Provision of Genealogical Services in Ireland (1998)
The recommendations contained in this report are based on the premise that any development in the provision of genealogical services in Ireland stems firstly from the needs of the user and secondly the requirements presented by the records and their preservation.