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About Us

Learning and Engagement Policy

1. Background and purpose

Durham University Library and Collections (ULC) is committed to delivering meaningful, inclusive and inspiring learning programmes and learning experiences through its rich and diverse museums, archives, historic library and art collections.

We believe that these collections should be a source of learning, inspiration, creativity and enjoyment for all, regardless of age, background or cultural or religious belief. To support this, ULC’s Learning and Engagement Team (LET) collaborates with schools, communities, lifelong learners, families and diverse faith groups to develop and deliver formal and informal learning programmes and opportunities.

2. Scope

The learning programme offered covers engagement activities across several locations and collections, including the Oriental Museum. Durham Castle Museum, Museum of Archaeology, Archives and Special Collections, Bill Bryson Library, Art Collections and the Durham World Heritage site. It covers on-site, outreach, digital and informal learning settings to support learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Although primarily focussed on the work of the LET, the principles outlined in this policy are equally applicable to all staff and volunteers involved in designing, delivering or supporting learning and engagement activities.

3. Our learning and engagement mission statement

We aim to provide access to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and to encourage their participation, enjoyment and understanding of Durham University’s collections. We seek to motivate and inspire people to explore their own histories, the history and heritage of Durham, North East England and the wider world through our collections. Through co-curation of events we seek to understand the importance of our collections to their own lives, beliefs and cultures, and incorporate these stories to enhance our own understanding.

4. Definitions of learning and engagement

Learning is a process of active engagement with an experience that helps people make sense of the world. It may involve the development or deepening of new skills, knowledge, understanding, awareness, values, ideas and feelings or increase the capacity to reflect. We believe that effective learning leads to change, development and the desire to learn more.

Engagement is about creating meaningful interactions and connections with our collections. It is about fostering a sense of belonging and ownership amongst diverse audiences, encouraging them to participate, contribute and feel valued. To enable this, our collections must be accessible and relevant, sparking curiosity, dialogue and deeper understanding.

5. Our aims

  1. Promote and increase access to Durham University’s museum, art, archives and special collections for all
  2. Raise awareness of ULC collections and services locally, regionally and nationally.
  3. Support widening participation by offering a welcoming first contact with the University for learners of all ages, but particularly school-aged pupils.
  4. Promote our collections as a resource for lifelong learning and as a tool to support health and wellbeing.
  5. Enhance the quality and experience of learning for school pupils and students of all ages through the supported use of our collections.
  6. Support the University’s teaching and learning programme.
  7. Support access to, and engagement with, research from the University’s diverse academic community.
  8. Promote social inclusion and encourage respect and understanding of all cultures and beliefs.

6. Our objectives

  1. Offer on-site, outreach and digital education sessions for schools and other learners through a formal learning programme.
  2. Deliver on-site and outreach events and informal learning activities for people from all ages and backgrounds.
  3. Increase access to collections and extend the community of users.
  4. Provide a range of  online learning resources suitable for different audiences. 
  5. Support teachers using collections material in their teaching.
  6. Provide training and advice to all users undertaking research using the collections.
  7. Collaborate with external organisations and University academics on joint projects.
  8. Promote collections and venues as accessible centres for learning, engagement and research.
  9. Integrate learning and access across all activities.

7. How we will meet these aims and objectives

To deliver these aims and objectives, a varied delivery approach will be taken, including:

  1. A formal and informal programme of on-site, outreach and digital sessions using diverse materials and activities, appropriate to learner age, knowledge and background.
  2. On-site and off-site exhibitions, talks, lectures and open events.
  3. Sessions for University students and staff to support curriculum and skills development.
  4. Work experience opportunities aimed at school pupils interested in museums and heritage careers.
  5. The creation and maintenance of online learning resources encouraging and promoting learning based on collections.
  6. Advising teachers and learners on accessing and using collection materials.
  7. Developing partnerships with schools, community groups, cultural organisations to support shared learning and engagement goals.
  8. Collaboration with national and regional groups and bodies, such as Arts Council England, Learning Arc, GEM (Group for Education in Museums) and other appropriate professional networks.
  9. The promotion of activities through appropriate media, including press, social and broadcast media.
  10. Offering volunteering opportunities when possible.

8. Accessibility and inclusion

We are committed to providing inclusive learning experiences, removing barriers to participation, ensuring safe and accessible environments and designing programmes, activities and events that reflect, encourage and respect diverse voices and perspectives.

9. Monitoring and evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted using a variety of methods:

  • Recording provision of and attendance at visits, sessions, talks and events.
  • Recording interactions with schools and other learning groups.
  • Collecting and reviewing questionnaire responses from teachers for the formal school learning programme.
  • Collecting and reviewing feedback from LET staff responsible for delivering sessions and events.
  • Gathering informal feedback from learners and partners.
  • Recording exhibition delivery and engagement.
  • The use of focus groups, where appropriate.

10. Strategic alignment

The work of the LET supports and is informed by the Durham University Library and Collections Strategy, Durham University Access and Participation Plan and Widening Participation Strategy.

11. Governance and review

This policy will be reviewed every three years (earlier if significant changes occur in strategic or sector priorities, legislation or standards).

Last updated March 2026

Next review date: March 2029