Sector statistics

Over the next few months we will be regularly updating this page, illustrating a variety of interesting statistics that will offer a useful insight into work within museums, libraries and archives. Information is provided by the MLA Research Team and topics will range from volunteering to tourism.

Accreditation Scheme Curatorial Advisor Network

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council supports the Curatorial Adviser network across the UK. Curatorial Advisers (CAs) are museum professionals who enable museums that do not have qualified and experienced professional staff to become Accredited. It is a requirement of Accreditation that museums should have access to appropriately qualified professional staff, and those that do not are required to have a CA in order to be eligible for the scheme. A recent review of the CA network highlighted the importance it plays in ensuring that Accreditation is genuinely a sector-wide standard available to all museums.

It is estimated that the CA network supports 31% of Accredited Museums, providing up to 2,264 days of free support with a value of £677,000 each year.

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Useful publications

Previously Featured Sector Stats

Adult learning

Archives services in England are significant providers of informal adult learning opportunities.

Libraries in England

Public libraries are an important local service supporting well-being, encouraging reading, spreading knowledge, contributing to

Museums, libraries and archives website use

The development of digital media technologies are changing the way cultural organisations interact with their audiences offering

Children and Young People's Education

Museums, Libraries and archives can play an important role in supporting young people’s education, providing a diverse range of

User Satisfaction with Public Libraries

There are over 3,500 public libraries in England providing an important local service by facilitating community access to a vast

Volunteering numbers

The museums, libraries and archives sector offers a wide range of opportunities for community involvement through the provision of

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
accreditation
MLA's Museum Accreditation Scheme sets out nationally agreed standards for museums in the UK. There are currently over 1800 museums participating in the Scheme, demonstrating their commitment to managing collections effectively for the enjoyment of all communities.
accreditation revised standard
The MLA has agreed transitional arrangements that will be put in place in preparation for the launch of the refreshed Accreditation Scheme and its transfer to Arts Council England.