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 a special organization in England. Its main job was to help museums, libraries, and archives get better and try new things. It was also a registered charity.
The MLA gave advice to the government about what was important for these places. It received money from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Sir Andrew Motion was the last chairman, and Roy Clare CBE was the last chief executive. The MLA stopped existing in May 2012.
Contents
What Was the MLA?
The MLA was a group that worked to improve cultural places. It focused on museums, libraries, and archives across England. These are all important places for learning and keeping history safe.
Why Was the MLA Important?
The MLA helped these places grow and offer more to people. It made sure they had good plans for the future. It also helped them use new ideas and technology.
Helping Museums, Libraries, and Archives
The MLA worked on many projects. In 2003, it helped create a big plan for public libraries. This plan was called Framework for the Future. It looked at how libraries could best serve their communities.
In 2008, the MLA worked with The National Archives. They developed ideas for "21st Century Archives." These ideas aimed to make archives modern and accessible. In 2009, the MLA published "Leading Museums." This was a plan to help museums be their very best.
How Did the MLA Start?
The MLA began a long time ago, in 1931. It was first known as the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries. This group was created after a special report in 1929 and 1930.
From Standing Commission to MLA
In 1981, the Standing Commission changed its name. It became the Museums and Galleries Commission (MGC). It also got more responsibilities. The MGC was a charity and had a special document called a Royal Charter from the King or Queen.
Later, in April 2000, the MGC joined with another group. This group was called the Library and Information Commission. Together, they formed a new organization called Re:source. This organization was later renamed the MLA Council.
What Happened to the MLA?
In July 2010, the government announced changes. Jeremy Hunt, the government minister for culture, said the MLA would close. This was part of a plan to reduce the number of public organizations.
Transferring Responsibilities
The MLA's jobs were moved to other groups. On October 1, 2011, its work with museums and libraries went to Arts Council England. Its work with archives went to The National Archives. Some staff stayed until May 2012 to finish closing down the organization.
Protecting Special Collections
The MLA managed a program called the Designation Scheme. This scheme started in 1997 with the MGC. It recognized very important collections. These collections had national or international importance.
The scheme expanded in 2005 to include archives and libraries. By 2011, 135 collections had received this special "Designated" status. After the MLA closed, Arts Council England took over the Designation Scheme. It continues to protect these valuable collections.
