RLUK, through its strategic work on promoting unique and distinctive collections (UDCs) aims to support and encourage cultural institutions to maximise the potential and impact of their UDCs.

As part of this work we are launching the UDC Hub, a free online resource that will highlight and share the latest innovations and insights for the benefit of UDC practitioners across the sector. The resource is for the community, by the community, and RLUK and The National Archives play a facilitating role only.

What are we looking for?

  • Articles on services, developments or projects of interest to the UDC community
  • Editorial pieces that explore and provoke wider discussion on the key issues for the sector
  • Case studies/best practice guides for UDC practitioners/institutions

Submissions may be focused on, but not limited to, one of the following categories:

  • Collection management
  • Outreach and engagement
  • Preservation
  • Digitisation
  • Staffing and skills
  • UDCs and students/researchers
  • Funding, fundraising and advocacy

 

Submission criteria

  • Pieces should be between 500 and 1500 words
  • Contributions must include at least one image (1600×1200 jpg format) issued under a CC0 or CC by SA licence. Image must not be of a logo or brand.
  • Contributions can also include HQ Videos or podcasts where relevant (RLUK can offer assistance with audio/visual material if required)
  • The author/s name and institution/s should be included. Where possible a headshot of the author/s should be provided.
  • It is the responsibility of the person submitting to make sure that either the piece represents a personal view or that its content has been cleared with the affiliated institution. Where third parties are referenced, the author accepts responsibility for any statements made.

 

Style and tone guidelines

  • Demonstrates clear expertise and relevance to UDCs.
  • Proposes logical ideas and recommendations for further discussion
  • Written in clear language, structured in a rational fashion, avoiding unnecessary use of jargon
  • Points raised in submissions should be supported with cited evidence/research where appropriate
  • Content should not form the basis of a sales pitch for a service or company, paid or otherwise
  • Responsibility for ensuring material does not violate intellectual property rights lies with the author

RLUK will review all submissions and the decision to publish on the UDC Hub will be made at their discretion. RLUK reserves the right to final editing.

To make a submission please email Melanie.Cheung@rluk.ac.uk