Local Studies

Waterford Local Studies

The primary objectives of the Local Studies Department are to:      

• Acquire and secure material of local interest or value, particularly that which is published in or about Waterford, or is written or produced by those with Waterford connections or associations.
• Select, digitise, and provide on its websites local publications and materials of unique value. To this end Waterford related journals, books, newspapers, photographic collections and databases are published, organised and made accessible to the public.
• Complement national digitisation strategies through the integration of these local services with the Historic Mapping Archive from the OSI, Census Online from the National Archives, Griffith's Valuation, and the Irish Times Digital Archive (among others), allowing for the provision of a comprehensive electronic Local Studies service.
• Provide facilities for research, including use of reference sections, microfilm and other formats.
• Promote and broaden use of collections through the publication of finding aids and newsletters; development of school and educational programmes; and use of all media platforms.

We hope that you find the resouces available of use in your research. To contact the Local Studies section, email: localstudies@waterfordcoco.ie. While it is not possible to conduct research on your behalf, we can clarify how different resource types may be used to full advantage and offer assistance in framing your information query.

To keep up to date with new online publications and projects, remember to check our Facebook page.  

Using Resources

Before conducting an information search it is advisable to familiarise yourself with main resource types detailed in this section and the Family History section. It is important to note that:

• Library published resources available through the Waterford Places database can be accessed online from any location. It contains quick links to electronic documents including local  historical journals, books, photographs and surveys and much more.
• Some premium services can only be accessed on a computer in branch libraries. Examples include the Ordnance Survey Historic Mapping Archive and Irish Times Digital Archive.
• The use of other microfilmed resources and hardcopy maps require a visit to Dungarvan Central Library. Resources on microfilm include local newspapers, 1901 and 1911 Census and Tithe Applotment books, which are used for Local Studies and Family History research.