Museums, Libraries and Archives Council facts for kids
| Successor |
|
|---|---|
| Formation | 1931 |
| Dissolved | 2012 |
| Type | Non-departmental public body |
|
Chairman
|
Sir Andrew Motion |
|
chief executive officer
|
Roy Clare CBE |
The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) was an organization in England. It worked to make museums, libraries, and archives better. The MLA was also a registered charity, which means it helped people without making a profit.
This group advised the government on how to improve these important places. It received money from the government to do its work. The MLA was active until May 2012.
Contents
What Was the MLA?
The MLA was a special type of organization called a non-departmental public body. This means it was funded by the government but worked independently. Its main goal was to help museums, libraries, and archives across England.
The MLA helped these places by suggesting new ideas and ways to improve. It also worked to make sure these places were well-managed. The last leader of the MLA was Sir Andrew Motion. He was also a famous poet.
Why Did the MLA Close?
On July 26, 2010, the government announced that the MLA would be closed down. This was part of a plan to reduce the number of public organizations. The government wanted to save money.
The MLA's jobs were then given to other groups. Its work with museums and libraries went to the Arts Council England. Its work with archives went to The National Archives. The MLA officially closed in May 2012.
How Did the MLA Start?
The MLA started a long time ago, in 1931. It was first called the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries. It was created after a big report about national museums and galleries.
In 1981, its name changed to the Museums and Galleries Commission (MGC). It was given more responsibilities. Later, in 2000, the MGC joined with another group called the Library and Information Commission. Together, they formed a new organization called Re:source. This group was later renamed the MLA Council.
Important Work of the MLA
The MLA helped create important plans for libraries and museums. In 2003, it helped with a report called Framework for the Future. This report shared ideas for how public libraries in England could grow.
The MLA also worked with The National Archives. In 2008, they created a plan for "21st Century Archives." In 2009, the MLA published "Leading Museums." This was a plan for the future of museums.
The Designation Scheme
One important program the MLA managed was the Designation Scheme. This program started in 1997. It recognized special collections in museums, libraries, and archives.
If a collection was "Designated," it meant it was very important. These collections had national or international value. By 2011, 135 collections had this special status. After the MLA closed, the Arts Council England took over this important scheme.
