MLA

Swan at museum

Museums, libraries & archives

About museums

Exterior of museum

Our diverse museum sector makes a valuable and unique contribution to the country and its people.

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About libraries

Library

The 3,500 public libraries in England provide safe, neutral and shared environments for everyone.

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About archives

Kew

Our archives are unique, irreplaceable assets that enshrine the memory of the nation.

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Latest News

Responsibilities transfer

From 1st October 2011, this site will not be updated, so please treat it as the static archive it is. This is because <a target="_Blank" href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts Council England</a> has now taken over museums and libraries responsibilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/">The National Archives</a> has assumed responsibility for strategic leadership of the Archives sector. Arts Council responsibilities will also now include the Renaissance programme, Museum Accreditation, and Library Development, together with cultural property services such as Export Licensing and the Acceptance in Lieu scheme. The National Archives has assumed responsibility for providing strategic leadership to the archives sector and advising government on its development. The MLA is now winding down, with a skeleton staff remaining until May 2012 to complete the management of existing Renaissance contracts, complete outstanding financial and contractual arrangements and prepare for the appointment of a liquidator. This website will remain live until 31st March so that the public still has full access to the material on it – good practice case studies, toolkits, guidance and a range of other publications.  Continue reading

  • Related links

  • working regionally

    A new integrated team works to develop strong partnerships regionally and nationally

  • strategic planning

    The MLA works in partnership with government, agencies, key organisations and local government to devise national strategies to bring about the long-term development of the country's museums, libraries and archives

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Sector Statistics

stats 007school visits to museums statisticsUser satisfaction with public librariesMuseums, libraries and archives website use statistics graphicVolunteering Numbers statisticsNo. of Public Libraries in England (2008-09)Stats widget