Our vision for archives

Today, archives are better looked after, better understood and better used, contributing to the well-being of communities, the creative economy, underpinning learning and discovery. We believe that:

• Archive collections should be comprehensive, reflecting diverse communities and shared histories
• People are entitled to enjoy attractive and accessible archive buildings and public spaces, managed to the highest standards, with easy to use online access to archives
• Young people should have opportunities to develop their talents to the full through access to archive resources wherever they live
• Communities should be able to use archives and acquire inspiration, knowledge and pleasure
• The public, service providers and policy-makers should recognise archives as integral to the UK’s heritage and with equal quality as museums and libraries

How we will deliver it

We will work in partnership with our nine regional agencies, and individuals and archive services selected to join us on our programmes. Action for archives is co-ordinated through the MLA National Programme Group for Archives.

The National Programme Group is chaired by Director of operations and brings together representatives from all of the MLA Partnership regional agencies. The National Programme Group replaces the former Regional Archive Advisory Group (RAAG) which was dissolved in 2006.