Dr. Whitty examines the history of the National Library of Ireland, its collecting, current Strategic Plan and future vision. The NLI shares the story of Ireland with the world through its unique collections, caring for more than twelve million items, including books, manuscripts, newspapers, photographs, prints, maps, drawings, ephemera, music and digital media. The Library’s sites in Dublin are open, free of charge, to all those who wish to consult and explore the collections - through reading rooms which are visitor attractions in their own right, rich and varied exhibitions, a lecture theatre, and an active public programme. The National Library sites include the main campus on Kildare Street, the National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar, and the Seamus Heaney Exhibition at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre on College Green. Further information is available at www.nli.ie