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Current Research and Evaluation

The listing below includes all the research and evaluation projects the MLA Partnership is currently undertaking. If you would like more information about them or are interested in receiving a copy of the results, please contact the MLA Research Team at research@mla.gov.uk

Recently completed projects

Topic and description	Relationship to R&E Framework	Lead partner and Budget	Delivery Dates and outputs
Analysis and further support of Taking Part Taking Part is a national survey providing robust data on participation and attendance to cultural and sports activities. MLA will be supporting the third year of this survey. It will also be conducting its own analysis of the policy and managerial implications of year 1 results.	Reaching targets and strategic objectives and impact around increasing and sustaining participation.	MLA Council contributes £100,000 to survey. MLA Council to undertake in-house research of policy and managerial implications of year 1 results.	2005/06 Annual Report available from the Evidence Bookshelf. (released May 2007) All previous statistical releases are available from the DCMS website. In-house analysis to be published and presented at seminars and forums on an ongoing basis.
Evaluation of ‘Books and Business’ What lessons can be learned from this programme about ways that public libraries can further develop relationships with business and seek sponsorship?	Impact, reaching targets and programme development around increasing and sustaining participation in the sector & establishing a world class and sustainable sector.	Sue Hughes, MLA East of England.	Evaluation report available from the Arts & Business East website (released March 2007)
Libraries impact on learning: Children and young people in the North East The value and impact of public libraries in the North East on children and young people’s learning and education.	Impact	Gemma Gadomski, MLA North East £8000	Final report available (link to be advised)(released October 2007)

Soon to be completed projects

Topic and description	Relationship to R&E Framework	Lead partner and Budget	Delivery Dates and outputs
Mapping work placements and career resources within the MLA sectors This project will collate best practice in provision of work placements, develop a guide for MLA employers offering work placements and identify strategies for successful recruitment and attractive career resources	Programme and Policy development around establishing a world class and sustainable sector	Chris Fardon, MLA Council.	March 2007.
Community Knowledge Networks What role should London’s network of public libraries perform in meeting the information and resource needs of local voluntary and community sector organizations in the context of Change Up’s regional infrastructure service development for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)?	Programme and Policy development around establishing a world class and sustainable sector & increasing and sustaining participation.	Graham Fisher, MLA London.	30 June 2007.
Archives and Tourism This project aims to identify the opportunities for archives to develop their potential to contribute to the tourist economy.	Programme and policy development around putting the sector at the heart of national, regional and local life.	MLA North East. Less than £10,000	Report by end of July 2007.
London Skills and Employment Board Impact What will be the impact of the LSEB on the museums, libraries and archives sector delivery of skills in London and what is the best way for MLA London to engage with the LSEB for advocacy?	Impact	Samantha Cairns, MLA London. £6,000	Final report by October 2007

New projects

Topic and description	Relationship to R&E Framework	Lead partner and Budget	Delivery Dates and outputs
Review of 4 Museum Education Projects recently commissioned by MLA EE How can museums and archives enrich learning and teaching in schools?	Impact, Additionality	Jenny Duke, MLA East of England	January 2008
Hub Workforce Audit and Diversity Plan This project will bring together existing guidance and best practice related to workforce diversity in the Museum sector. It will support Hubs in writing and monitoring their workforce diversity plans.	Programme Development around establishing a world class and sustainable sector.	Abigail Walker, MLA Council	Continuous work until January 2008.
Health Check of Museums, Libraries and Archives in South West England 2007 What is the overall state of museums, libraries and archives in the South West with particular reference to financial health and how can MLA South West best respond to this evidence?	Programme and policy development around increasing participation & establishing a world class and sustainable sector.	Rachael Pringle, MLA South West. £15,000	Final report by 11 January 2008.
Renaissance: Annual Hub Exit Surveys 2007 What do we know about visitors to Hub Museums? What is their level of satisfaction and attitude towards these museums? How are Hub Museums helping meet DCMS’s PSA targets on participation in cultural activities?	Reaching targets & strategic objectives and impact around increasing and sustaining participation.	MLA Council through Renaissance Programme. Up to £250,000.	Final report available Spring 2008. Previous years’ results available from the MLA website.
MLA London Knowledge Economy Inquiry What is the role of the MLA sectors in London’s knowledge economy? How are collections, research and scholarship in London’s MLAs used by London’s businesses to innovate and develop ideas?	Programme and policy development around putting MLA sectors at the heart of national, regional and local life.	Andrew Holden, MLA London. Budget to be confirmed.	Report published and launched by March 2008.
Impact of Learning Programmes for Children and Young People What is the impact of MLA led museum, archive and gallery learning programmes for children and young people? The evaluation will cover Renaissance and Strategic Commissioning learning programmes managed and delivered from each of the nine regional Museum Hubs and nine regional agencies in England.	Programme and policy development around increasing participation & establishing a world class and sustainable sector.	MLA Council, £75,000	Final report by June 2008.
Open on a Sunday? An examination of Sunday library opening in the UK Proposed project by Clore Fellow in Libraries supported by MLA	Programme and policy development around increasing participation & establishing a world class and sustainable sector	MLA Council contributes £35,000	Final report by Autumn 2008.
Collections for People: The Stored Collections of UK Museums How much are UK museums’ collections used for research, learning, creative purposes and enjoyments? What are the most effective ways of generating use?	Programme and policy development around increasing participation & establishing a world class and sustainable sector.	MLA Council, through Renaissance Programme. MLA contribution £10,000. Most of the funding is met by University College London.	National conference and publication Spring 2009.