BCICS joined forces with the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to develop a collaborative online resource for the co-operative community worldwide called The Co-operative Learning Centre.

The Co-operative Learning Centre (CLC) is a multi-lingual, online resource centre containing valuable sources of information on the effective use of the co-operative model. The CLC is a multimedia, Internet gateway providing access to a comprehensive and constantly evolving database of information on co-operatives. It provides access to information, training, research, resources and networks in order to facilitate co-operative education and development for anyone with access to a web browser. All resources on the CLC are classified according to type, theme, sector, and geographical region(s), making it easy to navigate and search for information. While the CLC is still being developed, and is expected to be completed within 18 months, a prototype of the website can be viewed at: http://www.learningcentre.coop/

The General Public will have access to almost everything on the CLC site, so anyone interested in learning more about co-operatives can use this site to access both basic and in-depth information about many features of the co-operative sector. Students can easily navigate the CLC’s comprehensive contents for their papers or research. People who actively participate in co-operatives can access HRD training materials and network with others in the sector. Academics, community researchers and co-operative developers can use the CLC to share their research and network with other professionals in the field.

The CLC makes it possible to understand the co-operative model, in theory and practice, anywhere in the world. The main site content will be available in seven languages, with the capability to add other languages later. It uses the latest Open Source web technology to aid partner organizations in making their projects and special expertise areas better known and utilised. BCICS’ partner organisations share the responsibility of developing and managing the CLC resources and all contributions are clearly acknowledged.

As a result, the CLC functions as a vibrant, evolving meeting place for exchanging and gathering information and ideas on co-operative activities around the globe.

The CLC offers many benefits to the co-operative community. The CLC meets real needs within the co-operative and academic communities. It enhances access to resources and facilitates the communication of information for and about co-operatives around the world. Despite their importance internationally, co-operatives and co-operative thought are not examined seriously in most educational systems. The CLC also helps address this problem. Its vast selection of resources encourages the establishment of co-operatives as a viable economic option for many communities. The development of HRD training modules and the interactive registry enhances leadership and management within the sector. Also, the CLC provides an extensive source of ideas, links, networking tools and information on the knowledge, innovation, strengths and diversity of co-operative developments around the globe. And ultimately, it encourages partnerships between academics and leaders in the co-operative movement.

The completed version of the CLC will be managed by BCICS through the University of Victoria’s Internet facilities, ensuring a reliable, secure and fast Internet connection, as well as solid security for the CLC data. The Online Collection, user account data, and registry will be stored on a centralized database server. The site provides secure log-ins for all public user account information and site administration areas. A command line virus scanner will ensure all uploaded files are clean. All website data will be backed up daily and stored securely offsite.