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A Designation Development Fund for libraries and archives is now open. This will be the first opportunity for holders of Designated collections outside the museum sector to apply for Designation funding from the MLA.

MLA’s Designation scheme identifies collections of national and international importance held in England’s non national museums, libraries and archives. These iconic collections represent a vital part of our national cultural heritage.

Collection holders who are interested in pursuing a proposal should contact MLA staff in their region in the first instance. MLA hopes to invest in four to nine projects ranging between £10-40k each. Proposals must be submitted to MLA by 13 July 2010.

For the criteria, further information and to download an application form go to: http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/raising_standards/designation/DDF_libraries_archives

"Designated collections offer people inspiration, enjoyment, understanding and knowledge" says MLA Designation Managter Paula Brikci, "This new stream of funding from MLA will support Designated collection holders to increase access to their unique, stimulating collections and show how their outstanding collections fit with local and regional priorities."

Download a list of eligible library and archive collections for this round of Designation funding.

Notes to editor

The new Designation Development Fund (DDF) replaced the Designation Challenge Fund, which since 2002 has invested £13m of Renaissance funding to improve the management and accessibility of Designated collections in museums.

The initial £1.3m funding from Renaissance for museums, and the additional amount for libraries and archives, will be primarily directed towards four key areas of Designated collections - care of collections, researching and understanding collections, making collections accessible and making collections sustainable.