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Career

Alf MacLochlainn’s career began shortly after completing his Master's in Irish from the University College Dublin, which he received in 1948. Following his graduation, in 1949 he was hired by the National Library of Ireland in the position of Assistant Librarian. Alf MacLochlainn held various positions during his tenure at the National Library, from Assistant Keeper of Manuscripts in 1963, and then Deputy Director. Eventually, more than twenty years into his career with the National Library, he was appointed its Director in 1976 serving as successor to former directors Richard J. Hayes and Patrick Henchy. However, despite his many years with the library, Alf MacLochlainn only held the position of director for five years when he resigned in 1982, the National Library noting that he was with the National Library for over 30 years, but that Alf Maclochlainn was choosing to leave for higher paying libraries in Ireland.

During his time as director, some of the collections acquired by the National Library include the Press Photographers Association of Ireland Collection, purchased by the Library in 1997 and the Dillon-Mahon Family archives.

In April of 1982, Alf MacLochlainn left his post as Director of the National Library to become the librarian of the University College Galway, known today as the University of Galway. He retired from the position in 1987. Prior to the University of College Galway, Alf MacLochlainn lectured at the University of Vermont Summer School of Irish studies as a visiting professor. Subsequent to his retirement, Alf MacLochlainn accepted a position as the Burns Library Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies at Boston College for the 1991-1992 Academic year. During his time, he was named the inaugural holder of the Burns Library Chair.

Alf MacLochlainn was also a prolific writer and his career includes various writings for radio, films, and television as well as three published works of fiction which are titled Out Of Focus, The Corpus in the Library, and Past Habitual.

Finally, Alf MacLochlainn was also actively engaged with various committees, serving as  trustee of the Chester Beatty Library, chair of the James Joyce Institute of Ireland, and a member of the board of directors of the Irish Film Theatre. Furthermore, he was a member of  the Irish Manuscripts Commission, the Library Council on the committee of the Royal Irish Academy for the study of Anglo-Irish Literature, and member of the North/South committee on library cooperation in Ireland.