Evaluation of Armagh Irish Library

Upon deciding that Bessbrook was an area I wanted to reserach in relation to its establishment, I decided to travel to the Irish Library to gain infomation which would assit me in the construction of my project.

SOURCES EVALUATION CHECKLIST

LOCATION:  Armagh Historical Studies Library

Staff Upon entry, three staff members were behing the desk, which created a welcoming atmosphere Once I had signed in, a staff member asked if she could be of assistance to me. After my topic was discussed, the librarian located books, maps and newspaper articles in relation to my topic. Very helpful, friendly and informative.	Accessibility The opening hours range from 9:30am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm on  Mon/Tue/Fri & Sat.  On a Thursday the library is open until 8pm. Directions to the library are signposted upon entrance to Armagh and, therefore, the library is easily located. For convenience, the library has an onsite car park which is equipped to facilitate a number of visitors.
Resources The library contained a variety of material to assist me in relation to journals, newspaper articles, pictures, books and official records. Whilst i did not avail of any services, the library has computers, a photocopier and a facility where you can phone before arrival and the staff will have resources waiting upon arrival.	Ambiance The library had an established atmopshere which was peaceful and relaxing; thus making it an ideal location to study. Reception located external to the study area, therefore, I was not interupted by telephone calls.
Building An old building with character yet modernised by the inclusion of a lift to assist with additional requirements.	Other comments:   The library is a well resourced venue with a quiet atmosphere where the student is respected and silence is maintained in relation to this.  It is a library I will revisit many times.

Beginning !!!!!!!!!!

So with my synopsis approved, by my tutor, I commence upon my project !! I am confused as to where to begin so I have decided to visit the Irish library in Armagh for guidance.

As for the blogging - well, it couldn't be as hard as mastering the mindmap devise !!??!!

Synopthesis

Decisions, decisions, decisions .......

The topic I aspire to investigate relates to the deceased, John Grubb Richardson of Bessbrook. Whilst,  Richardson developed the single nucleus street of Bessbrook in 1845, brought social and economical prosperity to Bessbrook, I seek to examine this development in relation to his Quaker ethics. As a Quaker, Richardson strived to create and establish a community based upon Quaker principles and ethics relating to acceptance, assistance and harmony. Ultimately, Richardson has been acclaimed for creating the 'model village' through his ideology.

Therefore, i want to examine Quakerism, how it, as a religion, prompted its congregant, John Richardson, to form his ethics and the impact such ethics had upon the colony of Bessbrook.  Whilst investigating this, i aspire to discover the number of Quakers in Bessbrook at that time and how its expanding populace responded religiously - did the religious congregation extend in numbers ? To discover this , I plan to locate the Friends Meeting House and try to locate a Quaker member who may converse with me about the Church and avail of any knowledge they have in relation to John  Richardson.
To further enhance my project, i plan to visit The Society of Friends Organisation, located in Dublin to develop my knowledge and attain further information through their resources.  In relation to resources, I also plan to attend the SRC Library, Armagh Irish Library and Armagh central library.  Whilst gaining literary resources from these locations, I also plan to take photographic evidence of my visits in relation to the locations I visit.
Therefore, I have may aspirations to attain and await my tutor's approval before I truly commence upon my research.