UKOLN
UKOLN is a research organisation that aims to inform practice and influence policy in the areas of: digital libraries, information systems, bibliographic management, and web technologies.
UKOLN case study UKOLN is a centre of expertise in digital information management, providing advice and services to the library, information, education and cultural heritage communities by:
- Influencing policy and informing practice
- Promoting community-building and consensus-making by actively raising awareness
- Advancing knowledge through research and development
- Building innovative systems and services based on Web technologies
- Acting as an agent for knowledge transfer
What we offer
Interoperability Focus
This activity explores, publicises and mobilises the benefits and practice of effective interoperability across diverse information sectors, including libraries and the cultural heritage and archival communities. A key aspect of this work is the identification and exploitation of synergies with existing UKOLN and external projects, with a view to maximising returns on the ongoing work of projects.
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UK Web Focus
The UK Web Focus advises UK higher and further education, museums, libraries and archives about emerging Web technologies and acts as the JISC representative to the World Wide Web Consortium. A range of support activities and materials are produced. UKOLN's own information services are being used as a test bed for innovative developments and good practice. Find out more
Bibliographic Management
This activity is concerned with the standards used to create bibliographic records; the formats in which bibliographic data are stored, exchanged and retrieved and the quality of bibliographic records in terms of currency, accuracy, consistency and functionality. Current activities include participating in a project to develop and maintain the National Union Catalogue of Alternative Formats (NUCAF), which was set up to assist visually impaired people and developing a simple tool that libraries can use themselves to assess the quality of their catalogues. Find out more
Research and development
UKOLN carries out applied and technical research in key areas of interest to UKOLN's stakeholder communities. Research at UKOLN informs the work of the Policy and Advice Team, and enables UKOLN's technical staff to engage with new technologies and emerging standards. Our chief funders in this area of activity are the JISC, EPSRC and the European Community.
Information and Communication
Information and communication work is undertaken to promote a greater awareness of UKOLN’s activities in both established and newly emerging communities.
Ariadne is an online magazine designed principally for information science professionals working in archives, libraries and museums in all sectors, published four times a year.
UKOLN has an Event Management service that organises workshops and conferences to support projects in the dissemination of information to their communities. The events service is also available to external organisations that wish to forge links with UKOLN and make use of its expertise. See details of our non-invitation events
Current and previous projects
Funding
UKOLN is funded by Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), JISC of the Higher and Further Education Funding Councils, as well as by project funding from JISC and the European Union UKOLN also receives support from the University of Bath where it is based.
UKOLN staff listing