Together with the Digital Repository of Ireland, SETU Library and the INSYTE-Cooley Research Lab recently launched a Member Case Study exploring Educational Resources at the Intersection of Software Engineering and Cultural Heritage.
Case study
This Case Study offers an in-depth, detailed examination of how DRI resources are used at SETU to help teach undergraduate students about electronic data interchange. The study highlights how a third-year cohort of students were introduced to the workflow involved in the describing, digitisation, transcription and submission to the DRI and offers some student feedback.
Brenda O’Neill, Director: INSYTE-Cooley Research Lab and Kieran Cronin, Special Collections, Heritage & Outreach Librarian are the co-authors of the SETU Member Case Study – hard copies are available to read in SETU Library and an open-access digital version can be viewed in the Digital Repository of Ireland by tapping here.
Love Data Week
The launch took place at the state-of-the-art Library Learning Lab, Luke Wadding Library, SETU Cork Road Campus and was organised as part of ‘Love Data Week’, an international celebration of data, celebrated the ongoing collaboration between SETU and the DRI.
Attendees included a broad mix of SETU students and staff; members of the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI); representatives from Newtown School; members of the Waterford’s Transported Convict Women, A Herstory Committee; Dr David Denieffe, Senior Vice President Operations (Chief Operations Officer) at SETU; and Dr Laurence Fitzhenry, Head of Faculty of Science and Computing (Waterford).
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers with a wealth of leadership, scholarship, archival practice, and community heritage experience:
David Kane, Deputy Librarian at SETU Waterford and Member of the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) Board, delivered the opening address and later spoke about the importance of digital preservation and institutional collaboration.
Brenda O’Neill, Lecturer in Computing and Mathematics and Director of INSYTE, and co-author of the SETU Member Case Study, discussed the intersection of digital innovation, applied research, and teaching.
Ann Fitzgerald, Secretary of Waterford’s Transported Convict Women – A Herstory, shared her insights into local history, community memory, and the preservation of women’s stories.
Meanwhile, Kieran Cronin, Special Collections, Heritage & Outreach Librarian, and co-author of the SETU Member Case Study, gave an overview of SETU’s Special Collections Department digitisation and preservation journey.
Lastly, Joan Johnson, Convenor of the Archives Committee at Newtown School, spoke about the school’s archival heritage and the collaborative process with SETU behind some of the archives’ digital preservation and their value for educational and historical research.
Collaboration
Speaking about the importance of the collaboration, Dr Lisa Griffith, Director of the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) said, “This work is built on collaboration, and the DRI are delighted to play a part in the exciting projects underway at SETU. Special collections and archives can drive innovation in higher education, and SETU are leaders in this area.
"The library is facilitating innovation across its research and teaching, creating real impact with students and staff. They are also providing valuable support for communities across the south east, ensuring the unique culture and history of this region is preserved."
Terry O’Brien, Head of Library & Information Services, SETU Waterford Campus added, “The collaboration between the I-CRL partners and the DRI has brought SETU Library’s special collections to life in a unique and meaningful way that engages students and supports their skill development. This initiative has not only increased awareness of the importance of digital heritage and preservation but also showcased the practical value of applying these collections in real-world contexts.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to partnering with organisations like the DRI to enhance the accessibility and visibility of digital heritage. These partnerships are critical in our commitment to standards-based development, and we look forward to continuing our meaningful collaboration.”
Formal launch
The event also marked the formal launch of the Newtown School Collection now published and available for all to view on open access in the DRI Repository by tapping here.
Newtown School was founded by Irish Quakers in the troubled year of 1798 on the Waterford estate which had been the home of Sir Thomas Wyse, himself a key figure in Irish education. Its purpose was the education of Quaker girls and boys from Munster.
During its 225-year development this has broadened into the distinguished multi-denominational school of today, still owned and managed by Quakers and still based on Quaker ethos and respect for the value of each individual, boy or girl, regardless of ability or aptitude.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the Mike Cooley Award 2026, celebrating excellence in advancing access to and understanding of the work and legacy of Professor Mike Cooley.