Apologies for crossposting.
If you have used/ have comments on the British Library, please
read on. I know you're all really busy, but if you have the
chance to send written comments to the DCMS BY 17th DECEMBER,
please do! Contact address is:
Emma Scott
Libraries, Information and Archives Division
Department for Culture,Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street, London
SW1Y 5DH
If you are wanting to check what the Library does in the health
field, details are at http://www.bl.uk/services/stb/hcis.html
Please forward this information to anyone else you think might
want to comment. Thank you.
Fiona McLean
* * * * * * * * *
The Dept of Culture, Media and Sport are doing a 'Quinquennial
Review' of the British Library.
The Cabinet Office requires that the functions carried out by all
Non-Departmental Public Bodies (of which the Library is one)
should be reviewed on a five-yearly basis. The following DCMS
Press Notice contains further information.
The review is to report to the Secretary of State, and a steering
group comprising representatives of the Library, DCMS, Treasury,
Cabinet Office and an independent element is to be established to
direct the work of the review.
The DCMS aim to complete the review by April 2000. Their press
release:
286\99 18 November 1999
THE BRITISH LIBRARY - YOUR CHANCE TO COMMENT
The management arrangements for the British Library are to be examined
and reviewed - with users of the Library having an important role -
Arts Minister Alan Howarth announced today.
The British Library, which is the national centre for reference, study
and bibliographical and other information services for both science
and the humanities, is to be the subject of a review which will look
at its role and functions, how those functions can best be carried
out, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the way in which the
Library delivers services to its users.
The Cabinet Office require that the functions carried out by
non-departmental public bodies should be reviewed every five years.
This is the first such review of the British Library.
Individuals and organisations with an interest in the Library will be
encouraged to make known their views on the Library's performance. The
Department aims to complete the review during the Spring of 2000.
Arts Minister Alan Howarth said:
"The British Library is known around the world for its unsurpassed
collection of books and manuscripts. It provides internationally
important reading room and enquiry services and the world's leading
document supply service. The opening of the Library's new St Pancras
building in November 1997 has allowed the Library to develop these
services and provide improved access to the public. Now is the time to
build on those achievements by looking at how effective the Library's
services are and to see what improvements could be made.
"I particularly want to hear the views of individuals and
organisations who have an interest in the British Library. It is
important that the Library provides an efficient service to its users
and we want it to be managed in the best possible way."
The review will be comprehensive, wide-ranging and vigorous and is
intended to:
· examine how the Library has performed in the past;
· consider what its aims and objectives should be; and
· review the efficiency and effectiveness of the way in which the
Library delivers its services and make recommendations for its future
development and management.
Notes to Editors
1. The British Library is a non-departmental public body (NDPB)
sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The
functions of all NDPBs are subject to periodic review to establish
whether the Government needs to continue to perform them. Reviews also
play an important role in the Modernising Government agenda.
2. Comments on the work of the British Library should be sent in
writing - by 17 December - to:
Emma Scott
Libraries, Information and Archives Division Department for Culture,
Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street, London
SW1Y 5DH
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