The UK Data Archive (UKDA) is a centre of expertise in data acquisition, preservation, dissemination and promotion and is curator of the largest collection of digital data in the social sciences and humanities in the UK. Founded in 1967, it now houses several thousand datasets of interest to a wide range of researchers and provides resource discovery and support for secondary use of quantitative and qualitative data in research, learning and teaching. UKDA is a designated Place of Deposit by The National Archives allowing it to ingest and preserve public records. UKDA is based at the University of Essex in Colchester.
One of the main strands of Connectivist learning theory is Rhizomatic learning - based on some philosophical work - this is quite a good introduction and discussion of its application in a particular area.