Urge the British Library to digitise Irish manuscripts


Urge the British Library to digitise Irish manuscripts
The Issue
The British Library holds the largest collection of Irish manuscripts outside of Ireland. Yet, nearly all of these manuscripts are only available by appointment on-site. This limitation severely restricts researchers' access to a vast reservoir of Irish knowledge and history.
The inaccessibility of these manuscripts poses a significant barrier for scholars, students, and history enthusiasts who wish to explore Ireland's rich cultural and historical heritage. These texts contain invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and traditions of ancient Ireland.
Digitising these manuscripts would not only democratise access to them, allowing anyone with an internet connection to learn from and appreciate them. Such an initiative would pave the way for new academic research, foster a deeper understanding of Irish history, and make these cultural treasures available to all.
I urge the British Library to take immediate action in digitising their ancient Irish manuscript collection. By doing so, they can ensure these historical documents are accessible to all, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Join me in calling on the British Library to prioritise the digitisation of their Irish manuscript collection by signing this petition today.
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The Issue
The British Library holds the largest collection of Irish manuscripts outside of Ireland. Yet, nearly all of these manuscripts are only available by appointment on-site. This limitation severely restricts researchers' access to a vast reservoir of Irish knowledge and history.
The inaccessibility of these manuscripts poses a significant barrier for scholars, students, and history enthusiasts who wish to explore Ireland's rich cultural and historical heritage. These texts contain invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and traditions of ancient Ireland.
Digitising these manuscripts would not only democratise access to them, allowing anyone with an internet connection to learn from and appreciate them. Such an initiative would pave the way for new academic research, foster a deeper understanding of Irish history, and make these cultural treasures available to all.
I urge the British Library to take immediate action in digitising their ancient Irish manuscript collection. By doing so, they can ensure these historical documents are accessible to all, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Join me in calling on the British Library to prioritise the digitisation of their Irish manuscript collection by signing this petition today.
12
Petition created on 28 May 2025