BU Research Blog

Engaging the public with research can be an opportunity to connect communities, inspire learning and stimulate curiosity.

The Engaging Libraries programme supported public libraries across the UK to develop and deliver public engagement activities between 2016-2021. From 2019 the programme focussed specifically on enabling partnerships with universities to engage the public with research.

Evidence from the programme shows that working with higher education institutions on public engagement has many benefits for public library services, including:

• Bringing new audiences into library spaces
• Changing perceptions of what libraries offer
• Empowering communities
• Showcasing the value of libraries and the trusted role that they play in communities

A new interactive, online toolkit for public libraries to encourage partnerships with higher education institutions and public engagement with research has just been published.

This toolkit includes:

1. A three-step guide for libraries to start public engagement projects and partnerships
2. Case studies of successful public engagement partnership projects in libraries
3. An interactive map to find higher education institutions interested in working with public libraries on public engagement.

You can access a PDF version of this toolkit here.