Freedom of information (FOI)

Who are we?

MLA was established in April 2000 as the successor to the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Library & Information Commission, under the name of Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries. The organisation's name was changed to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) in February 2004.

MLA is a strategic body empowered to advise government and the museums, archives and libraries sector in the long-term development of the sector's institutions.

Our vision is 'Leading strategically, the MLA promotes best practice in museums, libraries and archives, to inspire innovative, integrated and sustainable services for all'.

What is a publication scheme?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, sets out exemptions from that right and places a number of obligations on public authorities. A 'public authority' is defined in the Act and includes but is not restricted to central and local government, non-departmental public bodies, the police, the health service and schools, colleges and universities. Any person who makes a request to a public authority for information must be informed whether the public authority holds the information and, subject to exemptions, supplied with that information.

Individuals have the right of access to information about themselves under the Data Protection Act 1998. As far as public authorities are concerned the Freedom of Information Act extends this right to allow public access to all types of information held.

Every public authority is required to adopt and maintain a publication scheme setting out the classes of information it holds, the manner in which it intends to publish the information and whether a charge will be made for the information. The purpose of a scheme is to ensure a significant amount of information is available without the need for a specific request. Schemes are intended to encourage organisations to publish more information pro-actively and to develop a greater culture of openness.

Who is responsible for the scheme on behalf of MLA?

Paul Lander, Director of Corporate Services, is responsible for the scheme on MLA's behalf and it is part of his job to make sure that it is maintained on a day to day basis.

How have we decided what to include in the publication scheme?

Included in the publication scheme is everything that MLA currently publishes. The scheme also includes information, not previously published, on how MLA manages its affairs so that members of the public can have a better understanding of how decisions are made and how they can be questioned.

In what formats is the information published?

All information published by MLA is available to be downloaded free of charge from the MLA website. Publications are also available in printed form by post. MLA publications can be provided in alternative formats – in large print, audio cassette and braille.

Information is currently published in English, while some UK-wide programmes may also be published in Welsh. MLA's policy is to grant non-exclusive translation rights to any third party free of charge on request.

Is the material published free of charge or on payment?

With the exception of a small number of publications which are charged for in accordance with a price list and which may also be subject to a shipping charge it is intended that all material listed in the scheme will be available to the public free of charge.