Edinburgh Napier University

  The paper explores models for collaborative work between academia and public archival institutions, based on the authors’ experiences as PhD researcher and industry supervisor in the 'Film Bang' research project on the history of the Scottish screen workforce. The project, involving Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Edinburgh and the National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive is a long-term engagement which has been benefiting the researcher, academic team and the Archive through a series of research-specific and work placement activities, including the researcher’s input in the cataloguing of records and production of new digital resources to enhance the Archive's collections on the Scottish screen sector. Using the project as a case study, the paper explores the potential of such academic-industry collaborations with archival institutions and their benefits for both academics and archivists. The paper also discusses whether it is possible to propose a framework for collaboration to enable academics and archivists to understand each other’s needs and requirements and work together more effectively.