The DIB seeks to ensure the factual accuracy of its corpus and to keep its entries up to date with new research. With nearly 11,000 entries currently online this is no mean feat. In advance of launching this website in 2021 we reached out to as many of the original 700-plus DIB contributors as we could to ask them to review their entries. Updates to the corpus are ongoing.
Updating the DIB corpus
While we welcome feedback and suggested updates from readers of the DIB, we have limited resources to investigate and fact-check all such submissions immediately. Our policy for handling queries and prioritising updates to entries is as follows:
- Submission of queries or suggested updates: We ask that the contact form provided on this website be used for the submission of suggestions and queries so they can be properly logged. Submitters should not contact a member of the DIB team directly.
- Response to queries: Upon sending a query or suggestion to the DIB, the submitter will receive an automated confirmation email. It may be some time before they get a response from the DIB team, depending on how their submission has been prioritised as per the below criteria. Resubmission of a query will not expedite a response. However, if the submitter did not receive the automated email, they should resubmit their query.
- Factual errors: The DIB’s first priority is updating entries with serious factual errors (for example: a misspelled name, wrong dates of birth/death, incorrect details of life event etc).
- Source of update: Revisions submitted by an entry’s contributor will be prioritised over those submitted by a non-contributor. Feedback from subject matter experts will be prioritised over that from non-experts. Suggested updates without appropriate sourcing to back them up or suggestions made anonymously will not be considered.
- Popularity of entry: More frequently viewed entries will be prioritised for updates.
- Timeliness of entry: Priority will be given to entries that are to feature in an upcoming publication or commemorative or promotional event.
- Significant revisions/rewrites: It may become necessary to make substantial revisions or even to rewrite an entire entry. Where possible we will liaise with the original contributor first. If the contributor is unable to revise their entry, the DIB managing editor, with support from the board, will identify an alternative contributor/reviser.
Suggesting an entry for the DIB
We welcome suggestions for new entries to the DIB corpus. These should be submitted via our contact form with as much detail as possible as to why you consider the person worthy of inclusion.
To qualify for inclusion in the DIB, the individual must have either gained prominence in their lifetime, or otherwise have made a significant contribution to, or impact on, the political, cultural or social life of Ireland, or be an Irish-born person (north or south) whose life or career has impacted another country/other countries. The living are not included in the DIB, and, except under unique circumstances, a subject will only be added when at least five years have passed since their death.
If you are proposing yourself as a contributor of a particular entry, please submit supporting information with regard to your qualification for same. The DIB strives to select contributors considered experts with regard to a particular figure or subject matter area.
Contributors are not paid for their entries.