The University Library at Dublin City University, supported by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White TD, has unveiled DCU’s first major exhibition of rare materials drawn from the University’s internationally important collections.

DCU University Library holds nationally and internationally significant collections in the history of journalism, international relations, modern Irish politics and relating to the contemporary media. The above image is an entry from the diary of Seán Lester, notable journalist, diplomat and the last Secretary-General of the League of Nations, detailing the German invasion of Poland in 1939.

Collections include the first edition of the Irish Times following a ban on the press during the Rising, 28th April – 1st May 1916; An Irish Independent newsroom diary from, April 1916, recording the Revolution in Dublin on that day’s news; a letter to Seán Lester from James Joyce written just before the writer’s passing. These items, along with the archive of images from the PPAI, will be on display the Library until Friday 22nd January.

Speaking at the launch event, Chris Pressler, University Librarian, extended his thanks to the co-curators of the exhibition, Dr Mark O’Brien of DCU’s School of Communications, Miriam Corcoran of the University Library and Kate Horgan, independent photo editor and curator. He also thanked the DCU Educational Trust for its ongoing support of the HCRC as one of the projects within the recently launched DCU Campaign – Shaping Our Future.

The Media History Collection in DCU is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of media in Ireland. Its objective is to source the papers and record of media practitioners, communications practioners and media institutions and interest groups to ensure their preservation. Such material will prove an invaluable source of information for future generations of researchers and will help to protect and promote Ireland’s rich media history.