Citation
Blake, M. (2004), "Regional infrastructure for museums, libraries and archives", The Electronic Library, Vol. 22 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/el.2004.26322dab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Regional infrastructure for museums, libraries and archives
Compiled by Monica Blake
Regional infrastructure for museums, libraries and archives
The creation of a new London-wide organisation for museums, libraries and archives marks the successful completion of a network of regional agencies, established and funded by the national Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA, formerly Resource).
The nine regional agencies have been set up to promote England’s 1,750 museums, 10,000 libraries and 2,000 archives and to help them provide the best possible services to people from all walks of life. As well as giving leadership and advice the agencies act as powerful advocates for museums, libraries and archives, ensuring that they are well represented at regional as well as national policy level. Since the first agency was established in the North East in 2001 they have between them levered in £10 million extra funding for the sector.
Mark Wood, Chair of MLA said:
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It has always been a priority for MLA to make sure we are supported by a strong, effective regional infrastructure. This is the first time ever that our sector will have been fully represented at regional level, and we’re proud to have achieved our target on schedule.
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The regional agencies provide MLA with expert advice and an ear to the ground, helping us to lead on national programmes which reflect the needs of museum, library and archive users across the country. The agencies are all independent bodies: ours is a truly devolved infrastructure, receptive and responsive to local circumstance and need. MLA’s regional policy means that museums, libraries and archives are well positioned to play a major role in the government’s developing regional agenda.
Contact MLA at: www.mla.gov.uk