News, comment and press office

Public's wishes revealed

Public libraries really do hold a special place in the nation's heart, according to a major new research study published today by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council

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100 years of major acquisitions

In the centenary year of the Acceptance in Lieu scheme, thirty three items worth £15.7m have been saved for the nation, announced today in its annual report. Since 1910, the scheme has brought land, buildings and pre-eminent works of art into public ownership for the enjoyment and inspiration of all.

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Pinter awards saved for the nation

The British Library has acquired the collection of awards and honours presented to writer and Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter during the course of his long career through the Acceptance In Lieu scheme.

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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... Read more
30.09.2011Link alt
Report on future libraries
Community groups running libraries, private sector funding and self-service book borrowing points in shops and village halls can... Read more
08.08.2011Link alt
New Designated collections
Collections, library and archive of the Royal Academy of Arts; the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library at the English Folk Dance and... Read more
01.08.2011Link alt
The People's record grants
Funding to support museums, libraries and archives to run community projects that will generate materials for The People’s Record is... Read more
21.07.2011Link alt
Bolton Accreditation Confirmed
Bolton will maintain full Accredited Status after the Committee meet to consider planned sales to provide funds to make collections... Read more
15.07.2011Link alt
Online export licensing consultation
Consultation on a new online application system for export licensing opens to the art, antiques and export shipping trade sector in... Read more
05.07.2011Link alt

More press releases

Renaissance Yorkshire funds two exciting new museum projects
Art in Yorkshire and Yorkshire’s Favourite Paintings celebrates the region's long and strong cultural tradition of visual art. Read more
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PLR's most borrowed
Seven British children’s writers are among the Top 10 Most Borrowed Authors in UK libraries, according to the latest annual data... Read more
21.02.2011Link alt
Norwich Castle teams up with British Museum
An exciting new partnership between Norwich Castle and the British Museum looks set to bring national museum treasures to Norfolk.... Read more
17.02.2011Link alt

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