The National Library is to become an autonomous body next month after more than a century as part of government departments, most recently Arts, Sport and Tourism.
The announcement was made yesterday by Minister for Arts John O'Donoghue, who named senior counsel Gerry Danaher as the first chairman of the independent library.
Mr O'Donoghue said that the National Museum would also become self-governing next month under a board of directors who are to be named next week.
While the department will still have overall responsibility for both institutions, the respective boards will deal with policy, promotion and staffing decisions. Speaking of the National Library, Mr O'Donoghue said that as a body "in control of its own destiny and responsible for its own affairs", it would be in a better position to provide support and services to the public.
The National Library of Ireland (NLI) was established under the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act, 1877.
It collects, preserves and makes available books, manuscripts and illustrative material of Irish interest. It also hosts exhibitions.
The Genealogical Office, the Office of the Chief Herald and the National Photographic Archive in Temple Bar are all part of the National Library.
The library's new board is: Gerard Danaher, senior counsel; Patrick F Clyne, judge; Bob Collins, former RTÉ director general; Ida Delamer, former trustee of the NLI; Breda Kelly, company consultant; Máire MacConghail, professional genealogist; Susan McGrath, civil servant; Niall McMonagle, teacher and broadcaster; Brendan O'Donoghue, former NLI director; Jim O'Shea, former NLI trustee; Margaret Toomey, executive officer; Norreen Whelan, teacher and former NLI trustee.
