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Not just for the library

By Sandra I Enwesi, on 7 December 2017

Yes, UCL has one of the best collections of manuscripts, archives, and rare books and during the project session held last week, I mentioned how we have not achieved this reputation by relying solely on limited library funds.
External funding has played a key role in helping us acquire, conserve, preserve and promote so many of these items most of which are of significant historical value.
In addition, a successful grant means less strain on already limited library funds; this means that the library resources can go further.
However, the Library/UCL is not the only beneficiary of a successful grant. We learned that writing a bid benefits everyone involved especially the writer.
The bid writer will use different skills to try to convince a funder to donate or invest money in a project.
This is a big task in itself, it takes a lot of time and effort to coordinate and deliver a bid on time, skills such as written communication skills, excellent research skills, excellent writing/editing skills, with close attention to detail, information-gathering skills.
Being able to capture the key proposition in a clear, concise way and the ability to explain concepts in simple language with the aim of generating enthusiasm for the project.
The bid writing process might mean that you have to collaborate with others in your own team or across departments. All of these are good transferable skills to have, they look great on your CV, and they will improve bid after bid.
The session touched on my role as Projects and Management Information Officer (PMI Officer) and the support I can provide. This includes coordinating the bid writing process, moving things along, gathering the essential supporting documents, obtaining sign off for key members and providing financial advice.
We also talked about the importance of briefing me, the PMI officer of any bidding intentions. This is essential for me to be able to record, track its progress, and track the funds when it does arrive and ensure that you are spending from the right pot.

The feedback I received from the session was very encouraging.
100% of the attendants thought it was helpful to hear from Rebecca Sims – Head of Archives talk about her personal experience with bids.
85% of attendants had not applied for funding before and after the session, 71% of those will consider putting together a bid with support, which I am only happy to provide
At the end of the session, I mentioned that it might be helpful to attend training on how to write bids or how to make grant applications, these are available externally.
Apart from the list of funders that I hope all those who attended the session have found useful, I will from time to time post via liblist information on available funds that I come across.
Special thanks goes to the Library Finance team and Rebecca Sims for their support and input on the day.

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