Libraries NI and The Open University Renew Partnership to Strengthen Learning and Opportunity in Local Communities

Libraries NI and The Open University (OU) have renewed their partnership, bringing together two trusted public services to expand access to learning and support people in communities across Northern Ireland.

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (2025 – 2028) builds on a long-standing relationship and reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, accessibility and lifelong learning. By combining Libraries NI’s extensive community reach with The Open University’s expertise in flexible, online-supported learning, the partnership is designed to deliver meaningful, practical benefits for local people.

Libraries NI deliver services through 98 local libraries, mobile libraries and a wide range of outreach and digital activities. These services play a vital role in communities, offering welcoming spaces that support reading and literacy, digital inclusion, wellbeing and learning at every stage of life.

The Open University is uniquely positioned to support people who face barriers to accessing higher education. Its open-entry policy, and flexible online teaching model with tutor support, enables learners to study flexibly around work, family and caring responsibilities. 

Over the next two years, the partnership will make it easier for people to find and use learning resources — whether that’s through free online courses, local events, or guidance from library staff.

In practice, this includes increased visibility of Open University courses through local libraries; the promotion of the Libraries NI Learning Hub on OpenLearn, the OU’s free online learning platform, and the delivery of a programme of events and workshops across the library network. 

Commenting on the renewed partnership, John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland said: 

“Libraries NI and The Open University share a deep commitment to opening up learning and opportunity for everyone. By working together, we can meet people where they are, in their local communities, and help them build confidence, skills and ambition through learning that fits around lives.”

Dr Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive added:

“Our libraries are trusted, inclusive spaces at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. This renewed partnership with The Open University strengthens our ability to support learning locally — from developing digital skills and exploring new interests to taking first steps towards higher education. By continuing to work together, we look forward to building on what has been achieved and exploring new opportunities in the years ahead.”

By combining the strengths of the Libraries NI’s community presence with The Open University’s educational expertise, the renewed partnership aims to remove barriers to education, ensuring lifelong learning is accessible and achievable for people across Northern Ireland, supporting individuals, strengthening communities and delivering lasting social impact.