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New Director for National Library of Ireland (NLI)

Thursday, 8 December 2022
Image of Director in office with bookshelf in background

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

Dr Whitty, who is currently Deputy Director and Head of Collections and Learning of the National Museum of Ireland and Chair of the Irish Museums Association will take up her new role in the NLI in the new year. Her appointment is for five years and follows an extensive open recruitment process.

Commenting on her appointment, Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said:

 “I am 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:

 “I am delighted and honoured to take up this post and 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.”

NLI Chairperson Eoin McVey said: 

 “We are delighted that Audrey is joining the National Library as Director.  Audrey’s academic background and considerable experience in working in museums and collections make her ideal 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.”