Type or Format

Resources of any type or in any format can be linked to, uploaded or referenced in the Rural Finance Learning Centre, where it becomes known as a knowledge object (KO). A Rural Finance Learning Centre knowledge object therefore is any type of electronic document, file, online resource or metadata about a piece of knowledge. Thus, any item of information (e.g., policy briefs, training manuals, reports, PowerPoint presentations) that can be uploaded into the Learning Centre via fill-in forms; abstracts about items that must be ordered (e.g., books, videos, CD-Roms); and information about training courses, events such as conferences, and news items can be included as KOs.

Subject Coverage

Any items submitted to the Rural Finance Learning Centre should be of relevance or interest to those involved in rural finance at the policy, institutional management or client advice level. The items should, as far as possible, be helpful to those who want to learn, e.g., how to do something, how to solve a problem, how somebody else did something, how to explain something to someone else. Sharing experience and innovations is particularly important. All knowledge objects will be subject to editor scrutiny.

Topic Selection

When deciding to submit a knowledge object for inclusion in the Rural Finance Learning Centre, it is essential that the topic structure is reviewed to ensure that the item is being linked to the most relevant topic. It may be helpful to read the topic introductions to inform this decision.

Abstracts

Abstracts should be written carefully and in a manner which makes it clear to the potential reader what the usefulness of this particular item is to him or her. The majority of knowledge objects should have a very practical application to those working in the field – the Rural Finance Learning Centre is not intended to be a base for purely academic discussion. The key focus of the item should be stated, together with an overview of chapters, topics or sections. If there are examples of forms or checklists, this should be mentioned or of it is a case study, the context and applicability to other situations should be explained.

Language

The current interface of the Rural Finance Learning Centre is English, French and Spanish, but knowledge objects may be submitted in any language. Navigation and Topic introductions in Russian and Arabic are currently under consideration for development.

Accessibility

Items submitted must be either available online so that they can be linked to; in electronic format so that they can be uploaded; or fully referenced so that the object can be located in a library, obtained from a publisher or directly from the originator or issuing organisation.

Uploaded files

The format and size of an uploaded or linked file must be clearly stated in the file title and the format should preferably be of a type that is generally available worldwide.

Copyright and intellectual ownership

Any copyright or other type of restriction pertaining to a specific item of knowledge must be clearly stated in the reference / abstract, or on the uploaded or linked file.

Relevance

The primary focus of the Rural Finance Learning Centre is to provide any form or type of information that will aid in capacity building in Rural Finance. Therefore the date of publication or type of knowledge object is not as important as the relevance of the knowledge object to capacity building. The selection process of knowledge objects will be subject to a rigorous review by the editors, and relevance will be the most important factor in the selection process.

Content review

Periodic reviews will be carried out by the Chief Editor in conjunction with an Editorial Advisory Board to document progress in the development of the Rural Finance Learning Centre and to ensure that the content reflects the agreed submissions policy and the overall aims and objectives of the Rural Finance Learning Centre.