Engaging the public with research: a toolkit for higher education and library partnerships is an interactive online toolkit created by Carnegie UK and Libraries Connected
The toolkit has been developed through learning from the Engaging Libraries programme and was informed by a Steering Group of library and HEI sector representatives which included SLIC, Arts Council England, NCCPE, Research England and Engaging Libraries project staff.
Aimed at public libraries, it looks to encourage partnerships with higher education institutions and public engagement with research.
As well as outlining the benefits for libraries and HEIs, the toolkit provides inspiration for project ideas and gives pointers for where to find funding. It also gives advice about approaching HEIs to work in partnership.
The toolkit also contains:
- Case studies
- A 3-step guide to stating public engagement activities in libraries
- A map of Higher Education Institutions who are interested in partnership with libraries
The new toolkit is based on the findings of the Engaging Libraries programme which Carnegie UK ran in partnership with Wellcome, and the Wolfson Foundation from 2019.
Engaging Libraries supported public libraries across the UK to develop and deliver public engagement activities on health, society, and culture. From 2019 the programme focused on public engagement with research, with public libraries partnering with universities to deliver a range of public engagement activities. Four of the resulting projects involved Scottish library services – OnFife Libraries, Glasgow Life Libraries, Western Isles Libraries and West Lothian Libraries
You can can access the toolkit below:
