Developing New Digital Approaches to the NI Literary Collection: The Joan Lingard Collection

Summary

A Collaborative Doctoral  Partnership with the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.

This collaborative project will enable a researcher to work with the Joan Lingard Collection at the Linen Hall Library. Joan Lingard’s work will form the basis of exploring the significance of literature of the Troubles and Northern Irish society after the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.

The Joan Lingard Collection.

Born in Edinburgh in 1932, Joan Lingard was brought up in Belfast where she lived until she was eighteen. She began her career as an author in 1963 and in 1970 wrote her first novel for young people, The Twelfth Day of July.

This was the first book in a series about the characters Kevin and Sadie, a couple trying to lead their lives against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The book and the subsequent titles Across the Barricades (1972), Into Exile (1973), A Proper Place (1975) and Hostages to Fortune (1976) proved to be hugely successful.

Lingard’s work provides an incredible foundation in exploring Troubles literature and examining critical and creative responses to this material for local, national and international audiences in literature, Women’s Studies, and Conflict Resolution.

Research project

This project will offer access to one of the most under-researched literary archives on the island of Ireland. It will enable innovative approaches to the material to be developed which will provide the researcher with valuable skills in digital and archival technologies.

It will explore how AR/VR and emerging digital technologies such as AI can be used to provide further insight and awareness into library holdings particularly within the fields of women’s writing and identity the formation and creation of peaceful and reconciled communities.

Researchers will examine ways of developing narratives exploring this material that may lead to exhibition, archival and other creative developments within a library/museum setting.

To apply for this opportunity, a clearly defined research proposal is required along with an articulate personal statement.  An interest in the research area is also desirable.  Please note that we will only accept one application per applicant. Multiple applications will not be considered.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period