Ladybird books, stamps, African maps and early printing equipment are included in the four nationally important collections to benefit from the very first round of the Designation Development Fund for libraries and archives. The libraries and archives holding these unique collections are to receive approx £40,000 each from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) to improve care, access and understanding of these vital collections via innovative new projects.
The first recipients of funding are as follows:
The John Rylands University Library, The University of Manchester, will draw upon the Library’s world-class collection of early-printed books and early printing equipment that includes a Gutenberg Bible and the personal papers of such figures as Elizabeth Gaskell and John Wesley. It will use a wealth of curatorial and technological expertise to conserve items, undertake research and create a series of education resources including a web based history of early printing.
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), London, will develop a project entitled Rediscovering African Collections involving co-curation in partnership with African Diaspora communities, exploring items from the Society’s collections to provide a new understanding of the collections, partnerships with African organisations, and engagement with new audiences.
The Archive of British Publishing and Printing at the University of Reading will use the Ladybird and George Bell collections – examining the phenomenon of Ladybird books and using the collection at Reading to extend education and online resources for both education and enjoyment.
The British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA), London and Swindon, will undertake work to manage photographic collections in new and improved ways – building staff knowledge, developing research, and undertaking community outreach projects.
Launched this year, the Designation Development Fund is supported by MLA’s Improvement Fund to offer financial support to collections which are part of MLA’s Designation Scheme. The Designation Scheme currently comprises of 132 pre-eminent collections of national and international importance from 104 non-national museums, libraries & archives. The Scheme identifies and supports collections of the finest quality and significance, which represent vital aspects of England’s cultural heritage.
MLA’s Designation Manager Paula Brikci said "Some of the country’s most prized collections are in Designated Collections. We are really pleased that for the first time we can help library and archive collection holders make these treasures more accessible to the public"
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Notes to editor
MLA’s Designation Scheme was launched in 1997and identifies the pre-eminent collections of national and international importance held in England's non-national museums, libraries and archives, based on their quality and significance. These inspiring collections represent a vital part of our national cultural and artistic heritage.
The Scheme recognises that organisations with Designated collections care for a significant part of England’s cultural heritage and sets out to raise standards across the sector. Organisations holding Designated collections are expected to work towards the provision of high-quality services which deliver the fullest possible access to those collections and to take a leadership role in the sector by helping other institutions in such ways as sharing expertise, offering advice and lending objects or materials.