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Bridging knowledge gaps: the success of the Borrow a Researcher initiative

a person in a lab

Inspired by Denmark's Human Library, where people "borrow" individuals to learn about their lives, West Lothian libraries can now "borrow" a researcher!

We've turned the traditional library role on its head by having libraries borrow researchers from Heriot-Watt University to host workshops on diverse subjects in community spaces.

Heriot-Watt University has been collaborating with West Lothian Libraries since 2020. Our initial partnership began through the Engaging Libraries Lothian Lugs project, which focused on listening to and learning from community members who were engaged with local library spaces. We asked how people currently use library spaces, what they envision for the future of these spaces, and what Heriot-Watt University research areas intrigue them the most.

Since then, we have collaborated across a range of West Lothian locations – working with local communities to share various themes relating to Heriot-Watt University research. From talks on Healthy Aging and Artificial Intelligence, to designing Your Own Pet Robot workshops with artists, the Borrow A Researcher programme has spanned a range of topics and localities. We’ve brought Dr Who themed science and Sphero robots to spaces, working closely with our Library partners to co-design events.

As well as introducing communities to ongoing research through talks and family activities, we’ve also fostered community dialogues – ensuring a two-way process between the University and library users. Through this we’ve explored public perceptions of AI and Robotics, as well as the Eco-Ableism project exploring the challenges people with disabilities face in leading greener, more sustainable lifestyles.

We’re grateful to our West Lothian Library partners and collaborators. Find out more about our Deliberative Dialogues.

For more information, contact Engage@hw.ac.uk.

Creative Collaborations

Working with artists and creative practitioners enabled us to embed creative engagement with Heriot-Watt University research through informal science learning (IRL). IRL refers to learning that takes place outside of school settings, is not curriculum based and caters to diverse learning styles. It’s a form of learning that furthers accessibility and inclusion – something that we are very passionate about enabling at Heriot-Watt University.

As part of our creative collaborations, we've worked with Dekko Comics, who co-designed a Health & Care themed comic book to visually tell the story of a range of emerging healthcare technologies.

We’ve worked closely with participatory artist Jen Collier to deliver a range of family friendly workshops which have taken place across West Lothian Libraries, The Linlithgow Museum, Falkirk Science Festival, Dynamic Earth and Eden Festival. Jen has collaborated with researchers working across robotics, net zero and quantum technologies to translate complex research into cyanotype printmaking, collective collages and other creative formats.

We’ve also collaborated with visual recording artists such as Jenny Capon, capturing community dialogues and deliberative engagement through vibrant images and quotes.

At Heriot-Watt University, we value the learning that scientists and artists can bring to one another. Often viewed as opposites, we see art and science fields with multiple parallels that allow for inspiring collaborations – sparking imagination, curiosity and new ideas.

Deliberative Dialogues

Through Heriot-Watt University’s partnership with West Lothian Libraries, we have hosted community dialogues across libraries in West Lothian to explore public perceptions of ongoing research. These have included focus groups exploring:

  • AI and Robotics - with the acceleration of AI, it was vital to explore public understandings and behaviours around this from a local perspective. Through the discussions we discussed people’s hopes, fears and concerns around these evolving and increasingly digitised ways of living, as well as the positives new technology brings to health and care settings
  • Net Zero transition – these sessions explored how people felt about new technologies that enable mor eco friendly lifestyles and the challenges and barriers that might come with societal uptake
  • Quantum technology – a key theme for the University, but a topic we often think about more in relation to Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. This series was an opportunity for us to explore gaps in knowledge and potential areas of interest

The above programme was funded by EPSRC’s Impact Acceleration Account and was an insightful opportunity for us to engage new voices with research. Alongside that, we have been building future public engagement programme in line with the deliberative dialogue themes, which help us better understand how research can enhance and shape people’s daily lives.