The Towards a National Collection Directorate is pleased to announce the presentation of interim findings from its Foundation Projects.

The first instalment of our Foundation Project series features speakers Rachael Kotarski (Persistent Identifiers) and Gethin Rees (Locating a National Collection) from the British Library.

Persistent Identifiers as IRO Infrastructure (Rachael Kotarski)

Project Investigators: British Library, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Gallery & University of Glasgow

Project Partners: Science Museum Group, Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History Museum

Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) provide a long-lasting click-able link to a digital object. They are recognised by UKRI as a tool for enabling data discovery, access and citation. This project brings together best practices in the use of PIDs, building on existing work and projects. Early findings are derived from: a survey of the sector; two webinars; two case studies; a demonstrator of PIDs in use to link between collections and research; and a literature review. These early findings have provided Rachael with a set of recommendations to take forward on the approach to PIDs for colleagues in institutions across the UK heritage sector.

Locating a National Collection (Gethin Rees)

Project Investigators: British Library, National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces & University of Exeter

Project Partners: Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Museum of London Archaeology, English Heritage, Portable Antiquities Scheme

Locating a National Collection (LaNC) aims to help cultural heritage organisations to use location data — such as where objects were made and used or the places they depict and describe — to connect collections and engage audiences. Through scoping, workshops, audience research and exploratory technical work, the project will establish best practice and provide technical recommendations for a national approach to using location to discover collection items from diverse cultural heritage organisations.

Registrations are closed

Foundation Projects Persistent Identifiers & Locating a National Collection