Recent Publications Some of our newest items Certain publications are also available in printed form. These publications are indicated by a book icon ( ) which links to details of how to order these items.  MLA Corporate Plan 2008 to 2011
MLA Corporate Plan 2008 to 2011 sets out our aspirations for the sector and our role in achieving them. It gives an overview of the far-reaching reorganisation designed to enable a ‘new MLA’ to emerge stronger and braver: to win a reputation for effectiveness at a national level; to be strong in the English regions; and to acquire capacities that extend both our national and international relationships.  MLA Corporate Plan 2008 to 2011 (PDF 102KB)
 Community Libraries Programme Evaluation
The Community Libraries Programme provides mainly capital funding to help library services engagement with the community in the design, delivery and management of library services. Sector Projects and The Research Unit were engaged to evaluate the Big Lottery Community Libraries Programme. This report, drawn from the baseline analysis, identifies positive work to transform library services studied, and six key areas where further attention has the potential to greatly increase the positive results for individuals and communities. Community Libraries Programme Evaluation (PDF 203KB)  Consultation on draft guidance on the management of controversial material in public libraries
On 14 January 2008, MLA launched a 12 week consultation on guidance that has been drafted for public library authorities to help them manage controversial, extremist and inflammatory material in libraries. The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) is seeking comments on the content of that draft guidance. The consultation closes on 7 April 2008. Consultation on draft guidance on the management of controversial material in public libraries (PDF 118KB)  An Introduction to Museums, Libraries and Archives
An introduction to museums, libraries and archives and the MLA’s role in leading and developing the sector. The publication is a wealth of key facts, colour illustrations and insight into what the sector has achieved and how it is being transformed. Separate sections are included for museums, libraries, archives, collections, the MLA’s role in acquisitions, export and loans, the communities and audiences using the sector, the Cultural Olympiad and other priorities for the next few years. An Introduction to Museums, Libraries and Archives (PDF 3.49MB) 
Acceptance in Lieu Report 2006/07 The Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Scheme has again had a successful year in 2006/07. This Report illustrates and gives full details of all 32 cases, involving objects valued at £25m, that were completed during the year. It tells the fascinating stories of such important acquisitions as the historic boats from Lake Windermere, a ninth century Viking silver brooch, a superb group of prints by Rembrandt and Goya, and eight important archives. These cultural treasures have been given by the Government and MLA to museums, libraries and archives across the UK. Acceptance in Lieu Report 2006/07 (PDF 4MB)  MLA Partnership 2012 Setting the Pace
Last autumn the MLA Partnership published a prospectus setting out our vision for the contribution of museums, libraries and archives to the Cultural Olympiad. Setting the Pace was itself the product of extensive consultation with our sector. The responses have now been distilled into concrete proposals for five exciting projects which will help deliver the best ever Cultural Olympiad, and have a transformational impact on our sector. This document outlines the proposals and what the MLA plan to do about them. MLA Partnership 2012 Setting the Pace (PDF 2.2MB)  Developing an Outcomes Framework for Museums, Libraries and Archives; Securing Excellence; Delivering for Communities The challenge to local government from the recent White Paper is to shape place, tackle the difficult issues and enhance the lives of people by improving outcomes. MLA believes that museums, libraries and archives make a valuable contribution to this agenda. To help the sector deliver, MLA has published Securing excellence; delivering for communities, which sets out a strategic approach to setting out what are the contributions to outcomes that the sector makes, and also an approach to performance management and support for self improvement to better fit the sector to deliver. Developing an Outcomes Framework for Museums, Libraries and Archives; Securing Excellence; Delivering for Communities
(PDF 112KB)  Transformational Leadership Behaviour in Libraries
The Transformational Leadership Questionnaire (TLQ) was chosen as the diagnostic instrument for the Framework for the Future Heads of Service and Senior Managers Leading Modern Public Libraries programmes. Developed from research conducted at the University of Leeds (Alimo-Metcalfe 2001), the TLQ assesses transformational leadership behaviours and qualities in relation to fourteen dimensions grouped into three key areas. This report analyses the results and makes some recommendations for future consideration in leadership development within the sector. Transformational Leadership Behaviour in Libraries (PDF 430KB)  Taking Part This report was funded by a partnership of Non-Departmental Public Bodies, including the MLA, and is the first single survey that collects data on the users of museums, libraries and archives.
The annual report, based on 28, 117 face-to-face interviews with adults aged 16 or over living in private households in England, contains significant data relating to participation in the museums, libraries and archives sector. Taking Part: The National Survey of Culture, Leisure and Sport Annual Report 2005/2006 (PDF 3.66MB)
MICHAEL-UK Collection Description Manual (2nd ed.) This Manual has been produced to offer a user-friendly guide to creating and managing descriptions of physical and digital collections in museums, archives and libraries. It has been developed by the eTen-funded MICHAEL project, which is part of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council's (MLA) development of a Collection Description Service in the UK. MICHAEL-UK Collection Description Manual, Second Edition (PDF1.19MB)  New Libraries Performance Management Framework
A consultation document has been produced to seek views on a proposed new public libraries performance management framework. This new framework will be in place for April 2008, and will provide managers of public library services with a tool to help them measure and understand the performance of their library services in the key areas of access, resources, quality and efficiency. The framework will allow both public library service managers and users to track their own library services’ performance over time and in relation to other authorities. New Libraries Performance Management Framework (PDF 399KB) 
Briefing Sheets for Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) The government is considering its funding priorities as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). The MLA has produced seven briefing sheets to capture the importance of continued funding for the sector. These can be downloaded as a complete pack of seven, or as individual ones on the subjects of Archvies, Learning, Libraries, London 2012, MLA Partnership, Renaissance and Sustainable Communities. CSR Briefing Sheets (all seven together) (PDF 1.55MB) CSR Briefing Sheet on Archives (PDF 276KB)
CSR Briefing Sheet on Learning (PDF 292KB)
CSR Briefing Sheet on Libraries (PDF 271KB)
CSR Briefing Sheet on London 2012 (PDF 291KB)
CSR Briefing Sheet on MLA Partnership (PDF 199KB)
CSR Briefing Sheet on Renaissance (PDF 517KB)
CSR Briefing Sheet on Sustainable Communities (PDF 207KB)
 Blueprint for Excellence: Public Libraries 2008-2011
Through a process of consultation, Blueprint for Excellence will set out a shared universal understanding of the role of the modern public library and the core services the public and communities can expect. The core offer will be a universal entitlement for children, young people, families and communities to an accessible local library and place of resource, a service working in partnership to engage with communities, and a global, interactive information service. Blueprint for Excellence: Public Libraries 2008-2011 (PDF 62KB)  Localism, Governance and the Public Realm
The MLA commissioned the report Localism, Governance and the Public Realm to look at culture in the context of civil renewal, community cohesion and localism and governance. Through a variety of interviews with museum, library and archive professionals already delivering against these agendas and policy analysts, the report shows that the cultural sector can play a vital part in engaging citizens in civic life at the local level. Localism, Governance and the Public Realm (PDF 224KB) 
Single Membership Card for London's Public Libraries The Single membership card for London's public libraries feasibility study, commissioned by MLA from the London Libraries Development Agency (LLDA), finds that London’s chief librarians strongly support a move towards a single membership. A single card would provide greater flexibility and improved accessibility. However, it also notes that there are significant challenges to be met, including financial and technical implications, and the retention of the strong local identification and ownership that most libraries enjoy. The study provides a number of possible ways forward as options for discussion. Single Membership Card for London's Public Libraries (PDF 352KB)
| 
