Strengthening public library resistance against far-right agitation

Researchers: Dr Páraic Kerrigan and Dr Claire McGuinness School, UCD School of Information and Communication Studies

Summary

This research has enhanced the experience of public library staff across Ireland by documenting and addressing harassment from far-right agitators, particularly targeting LGBTQ+ services. Through interviews with library staff nationwide, the research revealed how online and in-person intimidation affects mental health, physical safety and workplace security.

Collaborating with librarians, trade unions, and sector stakeholders, the research played an important role in the co-development of practical strategies to strengthen library resilience, including enhanced safety plans, staff training, role clarification and liaison with local Gardaí. The research has empowered public libraries to respond confidently to intimidation, ensuring inclusive services for all communities. It has also influenced policy, professional training and public understanding of threats to Irish libraries, amplifying the voices of staff and users alike.

Research description

Between June and October 2024, the research team conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with Irish public library staff (19 managerial, 7 non-managerial) to understand the scope, mechanisms and impact of far-right agitation. This qualitative research revealed that agitation combines digital and physical harassment, often live-streamed or shared online and disproportionately targets LGBTQ+ programming and resources. Staff reported high levels of stress, trauma and anxiety, both from direct encounters and from indirect exposure via social media, media reports and professional networks.

The team’s findings identified weaknesses in existing safety measures and highlighted the need for comprehensive, staff-informed approaches. Recommendations included the development of robust safety plans, role playing scenarios, panic buttons, proactive monitoring of online agitation and strengthened collaboration with local Gardaí.

By centering the perspectives of library staff, the research produced an evidence-based account of disruption that counters sensationalised media narratives focused on agitators. This approach directly informed practical strategies to enhance resilience, influence professional practice and guide policy at the sector level. The study had a strong engaged-research methodology, co-creating recommendations with librarians, advocacy groups and a trade union. This ensured that the findings were relevant, actionable and widely accepted across Ireland’s public library sector.

Research impact

The project has delivered substantial national impact, strengthening the ability of Irish public libraries to resist far-right disruption while safeguarding staff wellbeing and service delivery. The research amplified the lived experiences of librarians, revealing direct and indirect impacts on emotional health, workplace security and morale. By presenting these perspectives in an evidence-based report, the work legitimised staff experiences, giving them a public voice and influencing sector-level responses.

One of the most important elements of this report is that it amplifies the lived experiences of workers. FÓRSA members say they feel heard.
— Richy Carrothers, FÓRSA

A key mechanism for impact was engagement with stakeholders. Collaboration with FÓRSA, LGBT Ireland, the Library Association of Ireland, the Queer Library Alliance and Children’s Books Ireland ensured that findings were grounded in lived experience and sectoral knowledge and insights. The project launch in November 2024 was attended by over 60 library professionals and stakeholders, while dissemination included hard-copy reports (1,000 copies distributed via FÓRSA), online publication, conference presentations, media interviews, and journal articles. These efforts ensured that every public library in Ireland has a copy of the report and guidance and staff can call on it in the event of an incident of agitation. 

The project also influenced professional education. Insights from the research informed the creation of a new module, Communities Outreach, in the UCD MLIS programme (2025–2026), equipping future librarians with skills to support marginalised communities and handle challenges from organised disruption.

At the policy and European level, the team shared findings during a European Commission stakeholder visit in Brussels (November 2024) on disinformation, engaging Irish NGOs, government agencies and media representatives. This platform extended the project’s reach internationally, providing a model for libraries in other countries facing similar threats.

The engaged-research approach was central to impact. By involving staff and stakeholders throughout, the project co-produced practical, actionable guidance. Recommendations addressed internal processes (e.g. safety planning, training) and external collaboration (e.g. Garda liaison), enabling libraries to respond confidently to harassment while protecting staff wellbeing. 

The research has facilitated the creation of a collaborative network linking librarians, unions, advocacy groups and sector stakeholders, strengthening their collective capacity and resolve to respond to far-right agitation and enabling them to amplify key messages and practical guidelines from the project’s report across the public library sector.

This report helps us understand these experiences and respond accordingly… capturing the chronology of the agitations.
— Paula Fagan, CEO, LGBT Ireland

Overall, the project strengthened the resilience of Irish public libraries, enhanced safety and professional practice, amplified staff voices, and contributed to a broader understanding of how far-right agitation affects public services. The combination of evidence-based research, sector engagement, and international dissemination illustrates the transformative potential of engaged research in shaping inclusive, safe, and well-prepared institutions.