A PRESTIGIOUS new academic partnership between Glyndwr University and St Deiniol’s Library in North Wales is set to be officially unveiled.
Glyndwr University, Wales’ newest university, and St Deiniol’s Library, Wales’ leading, independent research library, have formed a joint Centre for Cultural and Theological Studies.
The new Centre will enable Glyndwr University to offer academic programmes in theology for the first time and allow students and staff access to the St Deiniol’s unique collection and resources.
The Centre will stimulate research in History, English and Cultural Studies and enable many of St Deiniol’s own popular, short courses to be run in conjunction with Glyndwr University.
St Deiniol’s has a proven track record as a centre for research and creativity. It is the only Prime Ministerial library in the UK and the finest residential library, with a collection of more than 250,000 works specialising in theology and Victorian Studies; it attracts writers, academics and students from around the world, as well as more than 2,000 clergy each year.
Glyndwr University will benefit from the library’s strong links with leading academics in Religious Education in Wales through its association with St Mary’s Centre – the national centre supporting religious education in Wales based at St Deiniol’s Library.
The Revd Canon Professor Leslie Francis, Honorary Director of the St Mary’s Centre, and Rev Peter Francis, Warden of St Deiniol’s have been appointed Visiting Professors of Glyndwr University.
Peter Francis explained: "The Centre for Cultural and Theological Studies will blend the prestigious heritage of St Deiniol’s Library, with the modern and dynamic ethos of Wales’ newest university.
"By combining our collection with Glyndwr University’s own library, we will provide a unique learning facility for both staff and students, exploring new opportunities which will bring mutual benefits to all. It’s a very exciting time for us, and we are delighted to be associated with Glyndwr University in this way."
Professor Michael Scott, Vice-Chancellor of Glyndwr University, said: "St Deiniol’s Library represents a continuing monument to Gladstone’s lifelong belief in the importance of learning.
"Glyndwr University is proud to be associated with the Library and believes the partnership between the two institutions will strengthen the opportunities for learning that exist in North East Wales and further afield.
"Both the Library and the University have internationally recognised specialised research reputations which will be significantly enhanced by this new relationship."
