News

New Director appointed at National Library of Ireland

9 Dec 2022

The National Library of Ireland has announced the appointment of Dr Audrey Whitty to the role of Director.

Dr Whitty is currently Deputy Director and Head of Collections and Learning at National Museum of Ireland and is Chair of the Irish Museums Association (IMA), following her election in 2020.

Commenting on the appointment, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD said she was delighted to welcome Dr Audrey Whitty as the new Director of the National Library of Ireland.

“Audrey brings a wealth of experience to the role and will play a pivotal part in leading the National Library in the coming years. Audrey has demonstrated her multidisciplinary capability throughout her career and I wish her the very best in her new role.”

Speaking about the important role of the NLI, Dr Whitty said she was delighted and honoured to take up the post and to lead the National Library of Ireland in the next chapter of its history.

“I look forward to working together with the staff, Board and all stakeholders to shape and share our national collections, build upon the trusted services and grow the research and digital innovation that the NLI delivers, both here in Ireland and across the world.”

Eoin McVey, Chairperson of the NLI, said that Audrey’s academic background and considerable experience in working in museums and collections make her the ideal person to lead the NLI.

“The board and staff of the NLI look forward to working closely with her over the coming years. With the NLI’s ‘Reimagining the National Library’ project now underway, and with 150-year commemorations ahead, her leadership, expertise, and skills will be hugely valuable.”

This appointment is for a five-year term, with Dr Whitty due to commence in her new role in early 2023.