Principle 5, the Shefield-based co-operative resource and education centre, has revamped its website with new sections, simpler and quicker navigation, and a new co-op mapping tool.
Founded in 2013 to further understanding of the co-operative movement, the organisation has long held an invaluable library and archive on all things co-operative, from books to pamphlets to newspapers such as the Sheffield Co-operator.
The new website aims to provide easier online access to those resources via a clearer, more user-friendly structure and an accurate search function.
Its new ‘Projects’ section includes a full archive of the Sheffield Co-operator, which carried regular co-op sector news to the people of Shefield between 1922 and 1939, as well as downloadable copies of its recent series of pamphlets, including re-printed extracts from Edward Carpenter’s writings.
“This, for the first time, gives the Sheffield Co-operator its rightful place on a special page of the website,” said P5 founder Steve Thompson. “Visitors to the website now have access to all 170 inter-war editions of the newspaper, plus the bulletins and our revived 21st century editions.”
There are also online exhibition panels on local Sheffield history, plus a searchable index of articles from Co-op News, and free access to study notes on all aspects of co-operative history, principles, ideas and politics.
The Co-op Maps tool, originally devised by P5 founding member Steve Wagstaff, has been re-designed by current director Chris Olewicz for website use. Still in development, the software enables co-op members to create a diagram depicting the relationship between co-operatives and other related organisations within a specific area or industry.
“We are delighted to bring back Co-op Maps,” said Thompson. “For some years, this system for mapping co-operatives has gone into the background but now we can invite all members to have a go at making a map. Any feedback would be welcome.”
Princple 5 is also marking the 100th anniversary of the first Labour Party local administration in Sheffield with a new edition of the revived Co-operator.
Available to download from the new website, the 176th edition includes articles on food co-ops, including their role in the fight against the far right, news of a new community hub in the city, and a look at the relationship between Sheffield co-operatives and the Mondragón workers’ co-op in Spain.
—-
Read more about Principle 5 here.
