Archive strategy

Books and archives

Archives for the 21st Century

'Archives for the 21st Century' is the Government policy on archives published in November 2009.

In response to the Government policy The National Archives and Museums, Libraries & Archives Council (MLA) are working together to support the sector develop the five recommendations for archive services within the policy, and have published ‘Archives for the 21st Century in action’. This document highlights the actions archives senior managers and funders can take in response to the policy, and the support and guidance The National Archives and MLA can provide.

Archives for the 21st Century in action (PDF 1MB)

Further information on plans for support and guidance is also in the action plan for England. Both documents have been developed with stakeholders from all parts of the sector, and The National Archives and MLA are working with CyMAL on the Welsh Action Plan.

Responses to the consultation

The consultation to develop the archives policy closed in 2009.

Archives for the 21st Century: response to consultation (PDF)

Responses to each consultation question

Latest News

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
a legacy for the future
The policy, Archives for the 21st Century, re-asserts the vital importance of archives as the gateway to the nation’s common legacy, whilst reflecting the technological transition society is going through.
archives in action
The National Archives and the Museums Libraries & Archives Council (MLA) held a series of workshops for culture and archives colleagues called 'Archives for 21st Century in your region'.
fewer, bigger, better
The Government is asking people for their views on its proposed new policy on archives.