Quality Improvement and Development Funding (QuID)

In 2023 QuID funding helped acquire high-quality LED-lit display cabinets, enabling the Library to extend a DCU-wide programme of exhibitions and displays to the Cregan Library. We already have curated three major exhibitions in the O'Reilly Library, including currently 'Charles J. Haughey: Politics in a changing Ireland'.

The cabinets were received in August, just in time for our visually exciting 'Children's Books Ireland Collection' exhibition launched in September, which will be on display in the Cregan Library foyer until Easter. The exhibition celebrates DCU's ongoing partnership with Children's Books Ireland and features winners of the CBI annual awards, showcasing the breadth of themes, publishers, and age ranges in Irish children¡¯s literature. This exhibition is a snapshot of the growing collection of almost 4,000 English and Irish titles available for consultation in DCU Special Collections & Archives in the O'Reilly Library.

The Library looks forward to using the new cabinets to bring an even greater variety of book and archival collections to the attention of the students, staff and members of the public who visit the Cregan Library.

Over a period of 10 weeks in 2023, 13 DCU staff from across the University were engaged in a collaborative programme, to acquire new artwork for the DCU Art Collection. The participants were provided with acquisition knowledge and curatorial tools to facilitate an informed choice of new work.

Funded by DCU's QuID initiative, facilitator and artist Helen Barry was engaged to assist with the project and to introduce the group to artworks in the collection through Visual Thinking Strategies, a facilitation method used to create inclusive conversations, build confidence and support critical thinking. Helen oversaw the planning and coordination of the project and assisted the group with the development of a list of artists for the selection process. 

"The Art facilitator was an excellent choice to lead us through the project, I felt empowered to discuss openly and contribute to the project."

"Meeting and working with a cross-section of colleagues across the University further added to the richness of the project, I would participate again in a heartbeat."

The artwork entitled Spreag was installed in DCU's main reception, on Glasnevin campus in September 2023. Further information on the project can be viewed here.

After obtaining QuID funding in January, the All Hallows Community Garden was established and has since flourished into a vibrant hub of fresh produce and rich biodiversity.

Consisting of a polytunnel and numerous raised beds, the Community Garden has already seen 32 varieties of vegetables and plants grown on-site using the most sustainable and organic methods.

The Community Garden¡¯s success is largely owed to the collaborative efforts of several departments and personnel at DCU and is maintained by Paddy Browne (Estates) and members of the Community Employment (CE) scheme. The initiative has allowed various external community members, including school groups, to come to the garden and learn the benefits of horticulture.

With the Community Garden¡¯s first spring and summer seasons of growing now under its belt, plans to further engage with both the internal and external DCU communities are progressing - with hopes to further educate, inspire and encourage the ways of GIY (Grow It Yourself).