Louise O'Connor

Louise is an Accredited Conservator at University College Cork Library, specialising in the preservation of special collections and archives. She is currently leading the establishment of UCC’s first dedicated library conservation laboratory, supporting research-led practice, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her professional interests include preventive conservation in changing climates, material analysis, and sustainable conservation treatments for rare and fragile collections.

Louise holds a masters degree in Conservation of Works of Art on Paper from Northumbria University, UK and has previously worked with the National Library of Ireland and other national cultural insitutions. She has contributed to national and international conservation initiatives and regularly collaborate with academic and heritage partners. Through her work, she aims to enhance access to cultural collections, strengthen research excellence, and promote best practice in library and archive conservation.

As a Conservator at University College Cork, my research focuses on the preservation and long-term care of special collections and archives. I am establishing UCC’s first dedicated library conservation laboratory to support research-led practice, training, and collaboration. My work centres on preventive conservation, material analysis, and sustainable, evidence-based treatment methods for rare and fragile library collections. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with heritage partners, I aim to strengthen research excellence, enhance access, and raise the national and international profile of UCC Library’s collections.