This conference provided a unique opportunity for the PLR representatives to exchange information on recent issues, discuss common problems and promote the development of PLR in new countries.

Wexford County Librarian, Fionnuala Hanrahan addressed the international audience on Irish public library network and the services offered and Dr. Derek Hand, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra provided an overview of Ireland’s great writers and literary excellence. The conference also discussed address recent international developments in e-book use in public libraries and in PLR internationally.

Under the Irish PLR scheme, payment is made to authors, illustrators, etc. whose books are borrowed from the country’s 336 public libraries.  PLR in Ireland is managed by Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency and funded by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The conference was opened by the Minister for State, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Ms. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D. and was hosted by Libraries Development,  Local Government Management Agency.

For more information on the 10th International PLR conference, please contact Libraries Development, LGMA at librariesdevelopment@lgma.ie or phone 01 6332200.