Elaine Harrington
Research Profile
Elaine Harrington
Contact Details
Library
University College Cork
Cork
Ireland
T: +353-21-490-3000
E: E.Harrington@ucc.ie
Client Services Team Lead
UCC Library
University College Cork
Cork
Ireland
T: +353 21 4903484
E: e.harrington@ucc.ie
UCC Library
University College Cork
Cork
Ireland
T: +353 21 4903484
E: e.harrington@ucc.ie
Biography
I have over 15 years’ experience connecting people with
information and teaching them to think critically about such information. I
have a postgraduate qualification in Library & Information Science with a
MA in English & a BA in English & French.
ORCID: 0000-0001-5275-518X.
From May 2024-present my research interests include the use of UX within a student as partners framework and how through visualising data new research questions about future library enhancements and service delivery can be identified. Between November 2012-April 2024 research interests included how the use emerging technologies in a Special Collections' context provide different collaborative opportunities, and the role of sound in libraries.
To date I have presented at local and national academic, library, IT, TEL and DH conferences on the various ways users engage with Special Collections’ services and collections, and the necessary skills that are required for effective engagement.
I am a founding member of Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project which was a finalist at the Education Awards, Ireland in 2019. The SHOCC Project was selected for review as one of four projects in the Sound special issue ‘Part II: Imagining Sonic Histories’ in Reviews in Digital Humanities (September 2021), guest edited by Dr Mary Caton Lingold. Dr James Mansell reviewed The SHOCC Project. I was selected for CONUL's Training & Development research award in 2019 for the research project "Listening to Libraries’ Sounds Today for the Library of Tomorrow".
ORCID: 0000-0001-5275-518X.
From May 2024-present my research interests include the use of UX within a student as partners framework and how through visualising data new research questions about future library enhancements and service delivery can be identified. Between November 2012-April 2024 research interests included how the use emerging technologies in a Special Collections' context provide different collaborative opportunities, and the role of sound in libraries.
To date I have presented at local and national academic, library, IT, TEL and DH conferences on the various ways users engage with Special Collections’ services and collections, and the necessary skills that are required for effective engagement.
I am a founding member of Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project which was a finalist at the Education Awards, Ireland in 2019. The SHOCC Project was selected for review as one of four projects in the Sound special issue ‘Part II: Imagining Sonic Histories’ in Reviews in Digital Humanities (September 2021), guest edited by Dr Mary Caton Lingold. Dr James Mansell reviewed The SHOCC Project. I was selected for CONUL's Training & Development research award in 2019 for the research project "Listening to Libraries’ Sounds Today for the Library of Tomorrow".
Research Interests
I am particularly interested in how emerging technologies allow for collaboration in a Special Collections' context. This has prompted two different research projects relating to sound.
The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project
Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project is an interdisciplinary research project between staff members in the Dept. of Music, and in Special Collections, UCC Library, both of University College Cork. The SHOCC Project was launched following two years of pilot proof of concept when the project formed part of the coursework the MA module MU6031: Studies in Sound Study & Musicology during 2016-2018. Between April 2018 to the present the SHOCC Project has explored the relationships between sound, space, and history. By using archival and historical sources, including letters, diaries, travel narratives, maps, and almanacs, the SHOCC Project team investigates what locations and spaces in Cork City might have sounded like in various moments in the city’s rich historical past. The project team gives Cork’s people opportunities to engage creatively with the city’s histories through soundscapes (made accessible by smartphone technology). In addition, the SHOCC Project has developed an online tool, SoundCatcher, to enable Cork’s residents and visitors to contribute to the city’s sonic history. Through engaging Cork City’s public in the sonic histories of the city, the SHOCC Project aims not only to teach people about Cork City’s fascinating past and present, but also to encourage people to think critically about the spaces in which they live, and to consider how social, political, environmental, and artistic factors have contributed to how Cork City sounded in the past and how it might sound in the future. A key part of the project is to preserve a sonic record for historians of the future to study.
https://shoccproject.wordpress.com/
“Listening to Libraries’ Sounds Today for the Library of Tomorrow”
The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project
Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project is an interdisciplinary research project between staff members in the Dept. of Music, and in Special Collections, UCC Library, both of University College Cork. The SHOCC Project was launched following two years of pilot proof of concept when the project formed part of the coursework the MA module MU6031: Studies in Sound Study & Musicology during 2016-2018. Between April 2018 to the present the SHOCC Project has explored the relationships between sound, space, and history. By using archival and historical sources, including letters, diaries, travel narratives, maps, and almanacs, the SHOCC Project team investigates what locations and spaces in Cork City might have sounded like in various moments in the city’s rich historical past. The project team gives Cork’s people opportunities to engage creatively with the city’s histories through soundscapes (made accessible by smartphone technology). In addition, the SHOCC Project has developed an online tool, SoundCatcher, to enable Cork’s residents and visitors to contribute to the city’s sonic history. Through engaging Cork City’s public in the sonic histories of the city, the SHOCC Project aims not only to teach people about Cork City’s fascinating past and present, but also to encourage people to think critically about the spaces in which they live, and to consider how social, political, environmental, and artistic factors have contributed to how Cork City sounded in the past and how it might sound in the future. A key part of the project is to preserve a sonic record for historians of the future to study.
https://shoccproject.wordpress.com/
“Listening to Libraries’ Sounds Today for the Library of Tomorrow”
I was selected for CONUL’s Training & Development 2018-2020 Research Award for “Listening to Libraries’ Sounds Today for the Library of Tomorrow” research project. In this project I will investigate how in libraries ‘noise’ and not ‘sound’ is perceived. Many libraries only study the negative aspects of noise including the impact of noise on users and subsequent noise management interventions without studying how libraries can use sound in non-negative contexts whether in exhibitions or as sound installations across the library environment. The project will also investigate mapping sound, a key part of ethnographic research. This project has stemmed from my work on the Sonic Histories of Cork City Project. On this project, with John Hough of the Dept. of Music, we created two library soundscapes but no 19th or early-mid 20th century sound recordings exist of UCC. I needed to infer from textual and visual evidence what sounds might have been present in order to create a historical soundscape for the library in 1882. As Special Collections Librarian I am that what is collected or not collected shapes the library of the future. I will identify possible collaborative international soundscape opportunities for CONUL libraries and the possibilities for preserving the mapped sounds as a collection for future research.
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | 'Remaking the Printed Word in the Digital Age'
Harrington, Elaine (2023) 'Remaking the Printed Word in the Digital Age'. An Leabharlann: The Irish Library, 32 (1):4-9 [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2023) | 'Conference Review: A New Era – Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries'
Harrington, Elaine (2023) 'Conference Review: A New Era – Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries'. An Leabharlann: The Irish Library, 32 (1):21-23 [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | Proceedings of the BOBCATSSS 2023 Conference. BOBCATSSS 2023 A New Era - Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries, Oslo, Norway
Harrington, Elaine (2023) From Books to Bytes:Transforming Access to the Printed Word in the Digital Age . In: Henriksen, Dafne, Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood, Johnston, Jamie, Liguziński, Maciej, Shuva, Nafiz Zaman, & Skaug, Johanna eds. Proceedings of the BOBCATSSS 2023 Conference. BOBCATSSS 2023 A New Era - Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries, Oslo, Norway , pp.6-6 [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
Web Page
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | Charlotte Milligan Fox.
Harrington, Elaine (walkerabroad) (2019) Charlotte Milligan Fox. Web Page [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2019) | Elizabeth Sharp (writer).
Harrington, Elaine (walkerabroad) (2019) Elizabeth Sharp (writer). Web Page [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
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| (2018) | The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project.
Dr Jillian Rogers, Elaine Harrington & John Hough (2018) The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project. Web Page [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Dictionary Entries
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | Entry for University College Cork Library.
Elaine Harrington (2016) Entry for University College Cork Library. London: Dictionary Entries [Details] |
Exhibition
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | Our Evolving Relationship with Life Below Water.
Harrington, Elaine and John Rooney (2023) Our Evolving Relationship with Life Below Water. Ireland: Exhibitions [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2022) | Life on Land: Trees and Birds from the 17th to 21st Centuries.
Elaine Harrington and John Rooney (2022) Life on Land: Trees and Birds from the 17th to 21st Centuries. Ireland: Exhibitions [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Details] |
Podcast - Media
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | Life Below Water.
Harrington, Elaine and Tadhg Dennehy (2024) Life Below Water. Ireland: Podcast - Media [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Sonic Histories of Cork City.
Harrington, Elaine & John Hough; interviewed by Abigail Wincott (2023) Sonic Histories of Cork City. Falmouth, UK: Podcast - Media [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Around the Table Podcast: Historical Recipes in the Digital Age with Elaine Harrington.
Harrington, Elaine & Sarah Kernan (2023) Around the Table Podcast: Historical Recipes in the Digital Age with Elaine Harrington. Podcast - Media [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Radio Feature
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | Shush 276 - Elaine Harrington Takeover.
Elaine Harrington (2024) Shush 276 - Elaine Harrington Takeover. Radio Feature [Details] |
|
| (2022) | Shush 184 - Elaine Harrington Takeover.
Elaine Harrington (2022) Shush 184 - Elaine Harrington Takeover. Radio Feature [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
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| (2022) | Shush 211 - Theme The Printed Word as chosen by Elaine Harrington.
Elaine Harrington (2022) Shush 211 - Theme The Printed Word as chosen by Elaine Harrington. Radio Feature [Details] |
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| (2021) | Elaine Harrington Talks Special Collections in a Time of COVID.
Elaine Harrington (2021) Elaine Harrington Talks Special Collections in a Time of COVID. Radio Feature [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2018) | The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project at Culture Night & Cork Discovers.
Elaine Harrington (2018) The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project at Culture Night & Cork Discovers. Radio Feature [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2017) | UCC Library’s Special Collections.
Elaine Harrington (2017) UCC Library’s Special Collections. Radio Feature [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Interview
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | UCC Humanities & Social Science Careers Week March 2021: Librarianship.
Elaine Harrington (2021) UCC Humanities & Social Science Careers Week March 2021: Librarianship. Interview [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Blog
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2015) | Preservation Book Cleaning - Report on ANTLC course.
Elaine Harrington (2015) Preservation Book Cleaning - Report on ANTLC course. Blog [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Digital Preservation: Not Just Clouds & Unicorns.
Elaine Harrington (2015) Digital Preservation: Not Just Clouds & Unicorns. Blog [ Publisher's Version] [Details] |
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Erasmus Staff Mobility Grant | Erasmus - Lifelong Learning Programme | |
| 2021 | Participant in International Librarians Networking Program | American Library Association (ALA) | |
| 2019 | Erasmus Staff Mobility Grant | Erasmus - Lifelong Learning Programme | |
| 2019 | Finalist - Research Team Award for the SHOCC Project | UCC | |
| 2019 | Finalist - Best Research Project for the SHOCC Project | Education Awards | |
| 2018 | CONUL Training & Development Research Award | CONUL | |
| 2016 | Erasmus Staff Mobility Grant | Erasmus - Lifelong Learning Programme |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | LAI/CILIP Ireland Joint Conference,
Harrington, Elaine (2025) A Section Once Again: Reforming LAI Munster Regional Section. [Oral Presentation], LAI/CILIP Ireland Joint Conference, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | CONUL Annual Conference: Libraries as Changemakers,
Horgan, Emma and Elaine Harrington (2024) 'Forever - is Composed of Nows': Knowledge is Power. [Oral Presentation], CONUL Annual Conference: Libraries as Changemakers, Belfast, Northern Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | 2023 Learning & Teaching Showcase,
Harrington, Elaine, Emma Horgan & John Rooney (2023) 12. Uncovering the Depths: Educating with the SDGs in Special Collections and Archives. [Poster Presentation], 2023 Learning & Teaching Showcase, UCC , 05-DEC-23 - 05-DEC-23. [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Early Book Society: Meaning, Memory, and the Making of Culture: Manuscripts and Books, 1350–1550,
Harrington, Elaine (2023) Figures in History: Authors, Printers and Owners in UCC Library’s Early Books. [Oral Presentation], Early Book Society: Meaning, Memory, and the Making of Culture: Manuscripts and Books, 1350–1550, University of Limerick , 13-JUL-23 - 13-JUL-23. [Details] |
|
| (2023) | CONUL Annual Conference: Sense & Sustainainability,
Harrington, Elaine and Emma Horgan (2023) When the SDGs Met the UDCs: Future Proofing Research. [Oral Presentation], CONUL Annual Conference: Sense & Sustainainability, Cork, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | BOBCATSSS 2023: A New Era - Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries,
Elaine Harrington (2023) From Books to Bytes:Transforming Access to the Printed Word in the Digital Age. [Poster Presentation], BOBCATSSS 2023: A New Era - Exploring the Possibilities and Expanding the Boundaries, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), Oslo, Norway , 25-JAN-23 - 27-JAN-23. [Details] |
|
| (2022) | 87th IFLA World Library and Information Congress,
Chen, Stephanie and Elaine Harrington (2022) Remaking the printed word in the digital age. [Poster Presentation], 87th IFLA World Library and Information Congress, Dublin, Ireland , 25-JUL-22 - 28-JUL-22. [Details] |
|
| (2022) | UCC Humanities and Social Science (Virtual) Careers Week,
Elaine Harrington (2022) Librarianship: Special Collections Librarian. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], UCC Humanities and Social Science (Virtual) Careers Week, Online , 09-MAR-22 - 09-MAR-22. [Details] |
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| (2021) | Library Association of Ireland Rare Books Group Seminar: Writings in the Irish Language in Special Collections in Ireland,
Elaine Harrington (2021) A Call for Public Aid: Forming & Developing UCC's Irish Language Manuscript Collection. [Oral Presentation], Library Association of Ireland Rare Books Group Seminar: Writings in the Irish Language in Special Collections in Ireland, Online . [Details] |
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| (2021) | International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Virtual Event hosted by IFLA ENSULIB and Preservation & Conservation Sections,
Elaine Harrington & John Hough (2021) “The SHOCC Project Records Cork’s Soon-to-be-forgotten Anthropocene Sounds”. [Oral Presentation], International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Virtual Event hosted by IFLA ENSULIB and Preservation & Conservation Sections, Online . [Details] |
|
| (2020) | Culture in Urban Space: Urban Form, Cultural Landscapes, Life in the City,
Elaine Harrington & John Hough (2020) Capturing A City's Sonic Fingerprint: The Experiences of The Sonic Histories of Cork City Project. [Oral Presentation], Culture in Urban Space: Urban Form, Cultural Landscapes, Life in the City, Malmö, Sweden . [Details] |
|
| (2020) | Digital Humanities Research Colloquium,
Elaine Harrington & John Hough (2020) The Sonic Histories of Cork City (SHOCC) Project: From Idea to 360° Video. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Digital Humanities Research Colloquium, UCC, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2019) | Fragments Symposium,
Elaine Harrington (2019) (Medieval) Fragments in Special Collections, UCC Library. [Invited Oral Presentation], Fragments Symposium, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2019) | Library Association of Ireland Rare Books Group Seminar,
Elaine Harrington (2019) From Paper to WAV & JPEG to MKV: The SHOCC Project. [Oral Presentation], Library Association of Ireland Rare Books Group Seminar, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2019) | Library Association of Ireland's Rare Books Annual Seminar: Teaching & Learning Through Special Collections,
Elaine Harrington (2019) From Paper to WAV & JPEG to MKV: The SHOCC Project. [Oral Presentation], Library Association of Ireland's Rare Books Annual Seminar: Teaching & Learning Through Special Collections, Chester Beatty Library, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2019) | IS40370: Management for Information Professionals,
Elaine Harrington (2019) The Sonic Histories of Cork City Project. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], IS40370: Management for Information Professionals, UCD iSchool, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2019) | History, Preservation and Use of Religious Libraries in Ireland,,
Elaine Harrington (2019) St Fin Barre's Cathedral Library. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], History, Preservation and Use of Religious Libraries in Ireland,, Armagh Robinson Library, Armagh, Northern Ireland . [Details] |
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| (2019) | Fragments Symposium,
Elaine Harrington (2019) (Medieval) Fragments in Special Collections, UCC Library. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Fragments Symposium, UCD Humanities Institute, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2019) | National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education: Evolving Identities: Collaboration to Enhance Student Success,
Elaine Harrington (2019) “Let’s Go On A Bear Hunt: Special Collections in the Wild.”. [Invited Oral Presentation], National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education: Evolving Identities: Collaboration to Enhance Student Success, Dundalk, Ireland . [Details] |
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| (2019) | Academic & Special Libraries Group of Libraries Association of Ireland Annual Conference: Library; Space, Place, or State of Mind?,
Elaine Harrington & John Hough (2019) “Sound Out! Connecting the Library & the City Through Space, Time & Space.”. [Oral Presentation], Academic & Special Libraries Group of Libraries Association of Ireland Annual Conference: Library; Space, Place, or State of Mind?, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
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| (2018) | Digital Humanities Research Colloquium,
Elaine Harrington (2018) Destroying and Creating the Library of the Future. (Digital Arts & Humanities Research Colloquium. [Invited Oral Presentation], Digital Humanities Research Colloquium, UCC, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2018) | Sound Sound Day,
Elaine Harrington, Dr Jillian Rogers & John Hough (2018) “Trying to Hear History: The ‘Sonic Histories of Cork City’ Project -Launch of Sonic Histories of Cork City [SHOCC] Project. [Oral Presentation], Sound Sound Day, University College Cork, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2017) | Digital Humanities Research Colloquium,
Elaine Harrington (2017) Preserving the Library of the Future. [Invited Oral Presentation], Digital Humanities Research Colloquium, UCC, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2017) | HEAnet National Conference: Digital Transformation for Education & Research,
Elaine Harrington (2017) Space, The Final Frontier: Next Generation Special Collections. [Oral Presentation], HEAnet National Conference: Digital Transformation for Education & Research, Galway, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2017) | Consortium of National and University Libraries Annual Conference,
Elaine Harrington & Dr Jillian Rogers (2017) Mapping Sound ‘Off the Map’ at UCC: The Potential of Collaboration Between the Library’s Special Collections and the Musicology Department. [Oral Presentation], Consortium of National and University Libraries Annual Conference, Athlone, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2017) | Consortium of National and University Libraries: Teaching & Learning Annual Seminar,
Elaine Harrington (2017) Object Based Research Learning As Used By 1st Year Music & History Students. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Consortium of National and University Libraries: Teaching & Learning Annual Seminar, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2017) | (Irish Association of Art Historians Annual Seminar,
Elaine Harrington (2017) Resources for Art History in UCC Library’s Special Collections & Archives. [Oral Presentation], (Irish Association of Art Historians Annual Seminar, Edward Worth Library, Dublin . [Details] |
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| (2016) | Academic & Special Libraries Group of Libraries Association of Ireland Annual Conference: The Inside Out Library; Collaboration, Inspiration, Transformation,
Elaine Harrington (2016) “Gollum & the Librarians: What Is Really Precious.”. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Academic & Special Libraries Group of Libraries Association of Ireland Annual Conference: The Inside Out Library; Collaboration, Inspiration, Transformation, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
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| (2016) | Consortium of National and University Libraries Annual Conference,
Elaine Harrington, Susie Bioletti and Felicity O'Mahony (2016) Gathered Together – A Survey of the Unique and Distinct Collections Held by CONUL. [Oral Presentation], Consortium of National and University Libraries Annual Conference, Athlone, Ireland . [Details] |
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| (2015) | Consortium of National and University Libraries Annual Conference,
Elaine Harrington (2015) “A Guide Not A Sage: Respect Not Fear For Undergraduates Using Special Collections”. [Oral Presentation], Consortium of National and University Libraries Annual Conference, Athlone, Ireland . [Details] |
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| (2015) | Consortium of National and University Libraries: Teaching & Learning Annual Seminar,
Elaine Harrington (2015) “Venn Diagrams: When Special Collections Meets Information Literacy.”. [Oral Presentation], Consortium of National and University Libraries: Teaching & Learning Annual Seminar, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | HEAnet National Conference: Agents for Change in e-Infrastructure and Shared Services,
Elaine Harrington (2015) “Archiving The Social Media Presence of ‘The River-side.’”. [Oral Presentation], HEAnet National Conference: Agents for Change in e-Infrastructure and Shared Services, Cork, Ireland . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Library Association of Ireland LibCamp,
Elaine Harrington (2015) “There & Back Again: Borrowing & Lending Items for an Exhibition.”. [Oral Presentation], Library Association of Ireland LibCamp, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Women's Writing Network | Member | 11-JAN-23 / | |
| Library Association of Ireland | Treasurer - Rare Books Group | 07-MAR-22 / | |
| Library Association of Ireland | Member - Rare Books Group | 05-JUN-12 / 06-MAR-22 | |
| CILIP | Member | 05-JUN-12 / |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library Association of Ireland Centenary Celebration | Member | 2024 / | |
| Review of Constitution and Rules of the Library Association [of Ireland] | Member | 2023 / | |
| Library Association of Ireland Munster Regional Section | Chair | 2023 / | |
| UCC Library Vision & Plan Project Group | Member | 2023 / 2023 | |
| Library Association of Ireland Executive Council | Member | 2023 / | |
| IFLA WLIC Satellite Event: Environment, Sustainability and Libraries | Co-Chair of UCC Library Committee | 2022 / 2022 | |
| Library Association of Ireland Rare Books Group | Treasurer | 2022 / | |
| CONUL Sub-Committee for Unique & Distinct Collections | Chair | 2020 / 2021 | |
| CONUL Conference 2020 | CONUL Conference Programme Reviewer | 2019 / 2020 | |
| President’s Working Group Commemorations | Member | 2019 / 2021 | |
| CACSSS Library Committee | Member | 2019 / | |
| CONUL Sub-Committee for Unique & Distinct Collections | Deputy Chair | 2017 / 2020 | |
| Library Association of Ireland | Member | 2013 / 2022 | |
| CONUL Sub-Committee on Collections, Preservation & Conservation. | Member | 2013 / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library, University College Cork | Client Services Team Lead | 20-MAY-24 / | |
| Library, University College Cork | Special Collections Librarian | 26-NOV-12 / 17-MAY-24 | |
| Library, University College Cork | Library Assistant | 19-JUN-06 / 23-NOV-12 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Leading Edge | Lean Yellow Belt | Lean / Continuous Improvement | |
| 2023 | University College Cork | PG Certificate in Professional Practice & Leadership | Education, Leadership | |
| 2020 | University College Cork | PG Diploma in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education | Education | |
| 2016 | University College Cork | PG Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education | Education | |
| 2012 | University of Aberystwyth | H. Dip. in Library & Information Science | Library & Information Science | |
| 2008 | University College Cork | Advanced Certificate in Arts | Irish | |
| 2002 | University College Cork | Masters in Arts | English | |
| 2001 | University College Cork | H. Dip. in Education | Education | |
| 2000 | University College Cork | BA | English & French |
Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Fluent | Fluent | Functional | |
| French | Fluent | Fluent | Functional | |
| German | Basic | Basic | Basic |
Outreach Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Online student exhibition titled ‘St Mary’s of the Isle: The Dominican Friars in Medieval Cork' launched online on 15 October 2024 on UCC Library’s River-side portal as part of the HI6091 skills-based MA in Medieval History module conducted in collaboration with Dr Malgorzata Krasnodebska - D'Aughton, School of History, UCC; https://theriverside.ucc.ie/tag/dominican-sources/ |
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Online student exhibition titled ‘Beggars and Artisans: A Cultural History of Cork’s Franciscan Friary' launched online on 27 May 2021 on UCC Library’s River-side portal as part of the HI6091 skills-based MA in Medieval History module conducted in collaboration with Dr Malgorzata Krasnodebska - D'Aughton, School of History, UCC; https://theriverside.ucc.ie/tag/beggars-and-artisans/ |
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Online student exhibition titled ‘Mapping Cork: Trade, Culture and Politics in Late Medieval and Early Modern Ireland' launched online on 18 May 2020 on UCC Library’s River-side portal as part of the HI6091 skills-based MA in Medieval History module conducted in collaboration with Dr Malgorzata Krasnodebska - D'Aughton, School of History, UCC; https://theriverside.ucc.ie/tag/civitates-orbis-terrarum/ |
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Online student exhibition titled ‘The Luttrell Psalter: Knighthood, Hospitality and Piety ' launched online on 14 January 2019 on UCC Library’s River-side portal as part of the HI6091 skills-based MA in Medieval History module conducted in collaboration with Dr Malgorzata Krasnodebska - D'Aughton, School of History, UCC; https://theriverside.ucc.ie/tag/luttrell-psalter/ |
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Online student exhibition titled ‘The Book of Kells: Images and Text’ launched online on 26 May 2017 on UCC Library’s River-side portal as part of the HI6091 skills-based MA in Medieval History module conducted in collaboration with Dr Malgorzata Krasnodebska - D'Aughton, School of History, UCC; https://theriverside.ucc.ie/tag/the-book-of-kells/ |
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From February 2022-2024 I led a series of projects to launch a UCC Library's Special Collections & Archives colouring book as part of the annual international colouring festival on social media. We're sharing #ColorOurCollections images to spread awareness and better engagement with our collections by inspiring creativity and sparking curiosity. Colouring Book: https://library.nyam.org/colorourcollections/category/institutions/ucc-lib-university-college-cork/ In addition, to complement the colouring book and discuss the project further I instigated a series of blog posts: https://theriverside.ucc.ie/tag/colourourcollections-2/ |
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A series of posts about research collections, projects and events in Special Collections & Archives, Research and Digital Services at UCC Library. https://theriverside.ucc.ie The focus is the Library’s unique & distinctive collections including older printed books, manuscripts, archive collections, & electronic publications available via CORA, UCC’s Institutional Repository. The River-side welcomes guest posts from staff members & students and I co-ordinate this activity. I regularly publish posts on this blog: http://blogs.ucc.ie/wordpress/theriverside/author/eharrington/ |
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From 2014-2024 I co-curated with Emer Twomey and Emma Horgan the Twitter/X account that complements The River-side Blog and from 2023-2024 the Blusky account for same: @theriversideUCC |
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I co-curate with Dr Jillian Rogers & John Hough the social media that complements The Sonic Histories of Cork City Project website: @SHOCCProjectUCC (Blusky/Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) |
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Co-presenter of "Shock and Awe: Some Historical Sounds of Cork City." Presented with Dr Jillian Rogers & John Hough (Dept. of Music, UCC). Launch of the Sonic Histories of Cork City website constructed by Dr Jillian Rogers, Elaine Harrington & John Hough with contributions from MU6031 students: https://shoccproject.wordpress.com/ |
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Co-presenter of "SHOCC Waves: Mapping Sound in Cork City Past and Present” with Dr Jillian Rogers (Dept. of Music, UCC). Launch of SoundCatcher online sounds of contemporary Cork collection tool created by Elaine Harrington & John Hough: https://shoccproject.wordpress.com/soundcatcher/ |
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Co-presented "SHOCC Project SoundCatcher Workshop" @UCC Sound Sound Day / Cork Sound Fair with Dr Jillian Rogers and John Hough (Dept of Music, UCC) |
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Curated online exhibition using items from Special Collections for Harry Potter: Behind the Stories. Online exhibition launched in October 2016L https://libguides.ucc.ie/harrypotter Blog Post: http://blogs.ucc.ie/wordpress/theriverside/2016/10/28/behind-stories-harry-potter-river-side/ Colouring sheets launched in October 2018: https://libguides.ucc.ie/ld.php?content_id=32014297 https://libguides.ucc.ie/ld.php?content_id=32014295 |
Other Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Participation: January-June 2025 I'm leading a multi-stage project on space in the library for space ‘Library learning study needs postgrad students’. The project matches the Library's vision & plan pillar: Student as Partners, Library as Place. The paid internship element (120 hours across January-April) is placed within the UX landscape and used UX/design thinking tools to co-investigate library learning and study needs of postgraduate and specifically PhD students. In addition the project visualises qualitative and quantitative data accrued by the Library over the last 10 years to shape questions as part of the internship, and to visualise responses from the the UX element. This is the first project within the ‘Library learning study needs postgrad students’ research programme. |
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Participation: 2023-2024. Role Model, Specialist & Sponsor Mentoring: 1 student. The Scheme pairs the needs of mentees with an experienced professional, be it for advice on a specific project, problem, or career progression. |
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Participation: 2019/2020-2022/2023. Role Model, Specialist & Sponsor Mentoring: 4 students. The UCC Disability Support Service Mentoring programme matches students registered with the DSS to a professional mentor for an academic year. This programme provides students with the opportunity to develop their employability skills through regular meetings. The project also supports employers to develop a better understanding of disability issues. In August 2020 the DSS Mentoring Programme was awarded €1.5 million in funding as part of the Ability to Work Fund from RETHINK
Ireland. |
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2017 Erasmus+ Programme Visit Abroad to Cardiff University Library's Special Collections & Archives to examine artists' books from Ron King in the Circle Press. King is one of artists’ books most influential practitioners. This visit examined the conditions for storing, preservation and accessing the material, how technology is used to enhance teaching, learning and research, as well as the methods for initial and continued promotion of the collection. This visit would also strengthen the existing relationship between UCC Library and Cardiff University respective Special Collections departments. |
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Managed loan of two Irish language manuscripts from Maynooth University to UCC Library for Paper Manuscript Colloquium May 2017. The loan involved descriptive, preservation, legal and security concerns for loan and return of the manuscripts. |
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Managed loan of The Orphan of the Rhine from UCC Library to the British Library for the exhibition Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination. The exhibition celebrated the 250th anniversary of the publication of The Castle of Otranto, the first Gothic novel. The Orphan of the Rhine was satirised by Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey. The exhibition was live: 3 October 2014 - 20 January 2015. It was viewed by 48,120 visitors. The loan involved descriptive, preservation, legal and security concerns for loan and return of The Orphan of the Rhine. For more about this see the blog post: The Orphan of the Rhine: Lending to the British Library |
Teaching Interests
From 2013-2024, through seminars, site-specific classes and practical exercises I developed and delivered specialist online modules across the
University, but worked primarily with the College of Arts, Celtic Studies,
and Social Sciences. Access "Introduction to Special Collections & Archives" via Canvas. I guided students to engage with key sources for each module as well as with practical issues of copyright restrictions, digital presence, object handling and photography.
- HI6091: Skills for Medieval Historians (2016/2017, 2018/2019-2020/2021);
- MU6031: Sound Studies & Musicology (2016/2017-2018/2019).
- Dept. of Archaeology: AR2045, MA in Archaeology, MA in Museum Studies.
- Digital Humanities: DH2001, DH6033.
- Dept. of Early & Medieval Irish: MA in Early & Medieval Irish.
- Dept. of English: EN1103, EN3006, EN6052, EN6009, MA Modernities: American and British Literature and Film, MA Medieval & Renaissance Literature.
- Dept. of Folklore: FL2013.
- Dept. of French: FR1201, MA in Languages & MA in Translation.
- Dept. of Geography: GA1015.
- Dept. of Irish: GA2013, GA6037.
- Dept. of Italian: IT3205.
- Dept. of History: HI2105: Case Study Eastern Europe 1980s Onwards, HI2105: Case Study on Franciscans, HI2105: Case Study on The Big House, HI3122, HI3200: Communications, Culture, Community & Identity 1922 - 2002, HI3200: History of Poland from 1918, HI3200: Ireland & Empire Irish Involvement in Imperialism Overseas, HI3200: Irish Diaspora in Comparative Perspective, HI3200: ‘Land-owners and law-makers' Land and Irish Nationalism During the Long Nineteenth Century; HI3200: Irish Women & Society c.1750 – 1937, HI3200: Place, People and History Studies in Irish Identities from Antiquity to the Enlightenment, HI3200: The Great Famine, HI3200: War & Revolution in Cork 1914-1923, MA in Local History, MA in Medieval History, MA in the Irish Revolution 1912-1923.
- Dept. of Music: MU2012, MU2036, MA in Music.
- Dept. of Theatre: DR1008, MA in Theatre.
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Hough (2016-Present) | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Malgorzata Krasnodebska-D'Aughton (2015-2024)) | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Jillian Rogers (2016-2019) | University College Cork | IRELAND |
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Jillian Rogers (2024-Present) | University of Floria | U.S.A. | |
| Dr Jillian Rogers (2019-2023) | Indiana University Bloomington | U.S.A. | |
| Dr Win Shih | University of Southern California | U.S.A. |