Research Libraries UK (RLUK) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) are delighted to be working in partnership with the Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) to deliver a multifaceted Research Engagement Programme (REP) for academic libraries.

The programme consists of a tailored cohort training programme, open events, case studies, and resources to support colleagues working across the academic library community to develop their research confidence, skills and capabilities. The programme is open to colleagues working within both RLUK and non-RLUK member institutions, and details of its various elements are outlined below.

Context

The RLUK-AHRC Research Engagement Programme (REP) is a direct response to the findings of a collaborative scoping study, commissioned by RLUK in partnership with the AHRC, and undertaken by research consultancy, Evidence Base, across January-June 2021. 

The scoping study explored the role, and potential role, of research and academic libraries as partners in, and leaders of, academic and scholarly research. This included colleagues working across a wide variety of professions and disciplines. The scoping study made a series of far reaching recommendations, including the need for direct investment in the research capacity and capabilities of libraries. This scheme is a direct response to this recommendation. 

The full report, its findings, and recommendations can be viewed here.

Research Catalyst Cohort Programme

The training programme will be delivered between September 2023 and June 2024 to a small cohort of academic and research library colleagues, and will support them to envisage, develop, and submit highly-competitive funding applications to research funders. It will provide participants with an overview of the academic funding landscape, offer a tailored programme of events, activities, and mentoring opportunities to guide them through making a funding application, and enable them to share this knowledge within their institutions and with the wider library community (via taking a “train-the-trainer” approach).

The scheme is open to colleagues working within any unit or department that sits within a research or academic library which belongs to a recognised UK Higher Education Institution (HEI), Independent Research Organisation (IRO), or is a member of Research Libraries UK (RLUK).

The scheme is open to both RLUK and non-RLUK member institutions, and the programme welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and career stages. The programme would particularly like to encourage applications from members of ethnic minority communities, who constitute an underrepresented group within the library and information sectors.

For further details of the Research Catalyst Cohort programme

Open events and symposia

The Technician Commitment and the role of research and academic libraries as centres of technical and specialist expertise

On 27 April almost 100 colleagues came together for an interactive virtual seminar and workshop to explore the role of the Technician Commitment to specialist and technical skills amongst research and academic libraries.

Co-convened by Research Libraries UK and the AHRC, the event included a series of case study presentations and facilitated discussions. It considered the range of library roles that relate to the Technician Commitment, the benefits of library and archive staff seeing themselves within this, and the use of the commitment to advocate for the wider role of academic libraries as leaders and partners in research.

See the recording and event summary

Case studies

RLUK will continue to publish case studies highlighting the role of research and academic libraries as partners and leaders of research.

View our existing case studies here 

If you would like to submit a case study for publication regarding your library’s role as a research partner or leader, please contact programmes@rluk.ac.uk

Your library does not need to be a member of RLUK to submit a case study and submissions are welcome from any unit or department within an academic library, including archives, special collections, museums or galleries. 

View the case studies

The launch of the REP and the meaning of research

The Research Engagement Programme for Academic Libraries and the meaning of research

On 25 February, colleagues from across the academic and research library communities joined RLUK, AHRC, and ARMA for the launch of the Research Engagement Programme for academic libraries. The event explored the origins and contents of the programme, what it seeks to achieve, and included short case studies from five speakers who outlined what research meant to them and their institutions.

The event concluded with an overview of the Research Catalyst Cohort programme. 

See the recording and event summary