Meet the Staff: James Harte

1) When did you start working at the NLI and in what role?

I’ve worked at the National Library of Ireland (NLI) for nearly 35 years... in fact, I started on the 100^th anniversary of the NLI. I joined on 15^th of January 1990; my grade was called Library Attendant at the time. Which later became Library Assistant Grade 3. By August 1995, I became Library Assistant Grade 2, and Grade 1 by 2001.

I’d first joined the Civil Service in 1984. Ironically, my first interview was also in Kildare Street, just across the road [from the NLI]. I got that job in Head Office, and I worked in Scotch House in Burgh Quay working as a messenger. By 1989, a colleague had mentioned the NLI was conducting interviews for the Library Attendant job. I thought I’d go along – I hadn’t done any interviews in five years – it would give me a bit of interview practice… and I got the job! Best interview I’ve ever done. I was so relaxed because I didn’t expect to get it. I came out of the interview with a good feeling, but it was months afterwards when I received the good news. It was pure fluke that I’d even heard about the opportunity in the first place.

I’ve worked in every section [of the Library] … Genealogy, Manuscripts, Periodicals, the National Photographic Archive, New Books, Prints and Drawings.

2) What's your proudest moment/achievement in your career at the NLI?

I’ve had a lot of proud moments – I undertook an MA while working here, with the Library covering half the fees. It was another moment of pure chance, when I spotted a notice for it on the corkboard in the tearoom. It was for a degree in Family History at the University of Limerick. I completed it over two years… I’d never done a BA. I’d left school In the UK literally on my 16^th birthday. Three days later, I started work in a shoe repair. For the last 45 years, I’ve been working solidly!

When I moved back from England, I worked as a butcher in the old supermarket Quinnsworth in Dun Laoghaire. I still know how to pick out the best piece of meat, how to properly cut it up– you don’t forget those skills!

I’m proud also of the promotions I received along the way, but completing my MA was the highlight for me. It was tough – I thought many times I might throw in the towel – but I kept at it. And it paid off. And then my wife, Anne, did it too! I got my certificate in 2012, and she got it in 2015. We both have the same degree.

And of course, another proud moment would be meeting Anne!

“I’m a first aider and I was a fire warden as well. I like to be involved in something that helps people.” – James Harte

3) Can you tell me more about meeting your wife Anne, while you both worked at the Library?

It was the 9^th of April 1990, and I was walking out the back door with Tom Desmond Senior [former NLI staff member], and he introduced me to Anne… we didn’t go out until June later that year, but that was our first encounter… though, I’d noticed her around the Library before then. On our first date, we went out for drinks at Tommy’s Wrights [now J R Mahons] – it was around the same time the World Cup was on.

Working at the same place as your wife had its amusing moments. After working late one day, I bumped into her in the lane and told her on reflex: “I’ll see you tomorrow!” even though I’d see her later that night at home! We were only newly married then. There were other funny moments. We both might be in the tearoom and Anne might ask me: “What would you like for dinner tonight?” And you’d see new staff, or students, looking confused, before clocking that we were married.

4) As part of your job, you handled image permission requests. Did you deal with any unusual requests over the years/did any of them end up in interesting projects?

When researchers have come in for the genealogy tv series Who Do You Think You Are?, you do not know when they're looking for permission to use and request images, who the individuals involved are. It's all confidential, just in case there is not enough information about their ancestors. There has been many a time where I've been watching an episode and recognised a permission that I have granted.

There was a permission request right before I finished up – that is still in the works – that will be used on the cover of a game, probably PlayStation. Back in the day, it used to be requests for images to use on the cover of books or on TV programmes, but the times are changing.

5) Do you have any advice for current/future staff, as well as visitors of the National Library?

The NLI is an ever-changing place. We had no computer catalogue when I started, not until 1994! With technology evolving so much, I recommend staff do as many courses as possible. That’s what I did – I believe I did well to adapt. It’s a learning process the whole time. I believe the NLI is good at keeping its people up to date on all the latest skills and changes. Like how the Library helped me with my MA course.

For our visitors, we provide a solid service, from our exhibitions to Family History. It’s much easier to get a Reader’s Ticket these days. Years ago, students needed a letter from their teachers or college, but not anymore. Lots of students use the Library as a place to study, and I’d always encourage them to explore our catalogue and see if there’s anything that might help them. Over the years, people have come up to the counter to let me know they did indeed find useful materials, that they wouldn’t have thought to look for. We have a treasure trove of material available.

6) How has the Library’s campus changed over the years?

I was a union rep as a Grade 1 and 2, as well as on the partnership committee a number of years ago, and I was asked to set up the social committee. We’d organise activities like Dublin Ghost Bus tours, or trips to the theatre. I’d organise social events, so people could get to know each well other across the departments. Years ago, all the staff were based in one building – it’s just grown so much since then.

They couldn’t open Manuscripts initially, as they needed staff, and I was part of the team hired so they could open 2/3 Kildare Street. No. 4 Kildare Street [where our admin offices are now] used to just be a book store.

I remember one night working over-time and there used to be an old wine cellar here. I’d worked in the NLI for years, and didn’t even know it was there. I was told to go down some steps and got lost in the dark. And a colleague, Jim O’Shea, came to my rescue, with an old lantern... like something out of the Victorian-era!

Oh – I was also part of the NLI football team, in my early years in the Library, they did reasonably well, but unfortunately, didn't winning anything... (not making excuses, but you could see some departments had League of Ireland Players on their staff!) 

“It's funny when you think about working at the Library – you forget you’re a part of history – you almost take it for granted. Many a time, I’d be working in the Ticket Office, and someone would come in and remark, ‘Oh, you’ve a lovely office here!’ And it makes you reflect, and appreciate it more.”

7) Can you tell us about the blood donations for NLI staff that you organised each year?

I started giving blood in 1998. I organised staff donations from 2004 – you’d normally get half a dozen volunteers. Quite a lot of the people who might go along are students, and it was an opportunity for them to meet people. I myself met a lot of other staff members through these drives – people I might not have otherwise come into contact with.

I’d organise it four times a year – every 91 days. My current count is 67 donations!

8) What are you looking forward to doing now that you’re retired?

I’ve been working for a long time – I’d like to do a bit of travel in the New Year! I’d consider further study, I think it’s good to keep the mind active. I’ve no plans to do any work at the moment… but that’s not to say something interesting might turn up.

A friend of mine is a former employee of An Post and works for the blood bank. Lots of former civil servants help out there. So I might do that, but for the moment, I’m more prepared to give blood!