A quantitative analysis of biographical data from Ainm, the Irish-language Biographical Database

This paper looks at some trends identifiable in the biographical data contained in the Ainm collection of Irish-language related biographies. The data structure is described and the reasons for its particular structure are outlined. The structured data is then analysed to identify some notable patterns and significant gaps in the Ainm biographical collection. These features and omissions are discussed in the context of the creation of both the original print biographical dictionary (the Beathaisneis series) and the more recent digital version (www.ainm.ie).