Library action plan

library action plan

Library Action Plan

We believe that library services rightly rest with local councils as a vital part of local cultural and community provision. But we also believe that for the library service to navigate the economic difficulties ahead, deliver a national entitlement to books and information free at the point of use, and become as relevant for modern customers as they were for their ‘members’ of old, there needs to be nationally brokered change. MLA, even with a limited national mandate, has led national initatives; for example the £170m People’s Network on time and to budget; Reference Online, which has delivered £5.6million of efficiency savings for libraries; the integration of all 3000 English public libraries into the UK online centres network, and Inspiring Learning for All, a best practice framework for supporting learning. The MLA developed and managed the Framework for the Future Action Plan. Our restructure in 2009 directed resources to the front line to support improvement, integration and innovation. We provide a number of services to the sector, all of which are detailed in the sections below:

Strategic Leadership for the Sector

MLA provides strategic leadership for the library sector in a variety of ways and on a range of policies.

Expert information, advice and guidance

The MLA has a key role in providing expert advice and information to the library sector on a range of topics.

Research and evidence

The MLA has commissioned research in a number of areas to inform improvement and assess the impact of the sector.

Sector improvement and capacity building

We have worked on, and funded, a number of projects to improve the sector.

Supporting innovation

We have worked on, and funded, a number of projects to support innovative practices within the sector.

Levering in investment

We have secured funding for a number of national campaigns and programmes leading to improvement within the sector.

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
sharper investment for changing times
Getting more from the £2bn plus that national and local government invest in museums, libraries and archives
library action plan
An Action Plan designed to set the course for public libraries over the next five years was published by the MLA in May 2008.
reference online
The MLA has brokered national agreements for the use of electronic products and services on behalf of English public libraries
best practice
MLA’s best practice case studies are designed to inspire the sector and provide evidence of how museums, libraries and archives actively contribute towards meeting the varied needs of local communities.
library support
Before any decision to introduce change is made it’s important for local authorities to know about the models of good practice that already exist. MLA's Library Action Plan, good practice case studies and research offer support and ideas.
improvement support
Once you have identified your improvement needs, then you can begin improvement planning.