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About us
Leading strategically, the MLA promotes best practice in museums, libraries and archives, to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all.
We are a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Launched in April 2000 as the strategic body working with and for the museums, archives and libraries sector, tapping into the potential for collaboration between them, MLA replaced the Museums and Galleries Commission (MGC) and the Library and Information Commission (LIC).

Four out of five of the UK’s top tourist attractions are museums
Our diverse museum sector makes a valuable and unique contribution to the country and its people.
> Read more about museums
There are over 3,500 public libraries in England
The 3,500 public libraries in England provide safe, neutral and shared environments for everyone.
> Read more about libraries
There are over 2,000 archive collections in the UK
Our archives are unique, irreplaceable assets that enshrine the memory of the nation.
> Read more about archives
MLA Corporate Plan for 2008 to 2011
This is a challenging time for museums, libraries and archives. Together we can make a difference for individuals and communities.
> Read more about our vision