Breakout sessions (Group A) - Presentation 1 - Research Catalyst: situating the Archive and library staff at the centre of the research process

Challenges posed by COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of collaboration between libraries, archives, and academics. At Edge Hill University we have established ‘Research Catalyst’, a research group aiming to advance the productive and positive relationship between colleagues in Library and Learning Services (LSS) and the Department of History, English and Creative Writing, and positioning LSS as a co-lead in the research process with the potential of co-supervising or leading research projects. We have established a Memorandum of Understanding defining the purpose of our group and reflecting the complimentary agendas of librarians and academics. This talk introduces Research Catalyst and our ambitions for the future.