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apologies for any cross-posting - the following press release may be of interest to members of the list. Neil ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 149\99 4 June 1999 CULTURE DEPARTMENT TO ADVERTISE FOR CHAIR OF NEW MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES COUNCIL (MLAC) An advertisement is to be placed in the national press inviting applications for the post of Chair of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLAC). This is a new post within a body created following the Comprehensive Spending Review, which replaces the Museums and Galleries Commission and the Library and Information Commission. The appointment - which is renumerated - will be for a period of three years. The Chair's role will be to guide the establishment of the new body, and to turn it into the single source of strategic advice to Government on issues relating to the museums, libraries and archives sector. Culture Secretary Chris Smith said: "Museums, libraries and archives together provide an astonishingly rich resource, able to provide enjoyment and education for the communities they serve. The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council will be a powerful, pivotal body at the point where Government and the museums, galleries, libraries and archives communities meet. It will provide leadership, promote high standards and act as a champion for all the areas of activity involved. "I am keen that the process of selecting a chair for this important new body is as open and inclusive as possible. It is essential that whoever is appointed commands the respect of museums, libraries and archive communities, and drives the body forward with energy and insight." Notes for Editors 1. For a copy of the advertisement please contact the Press Office on the number below. 2. On 14 December 1998 Chris Smith set out major reforms to the Government's funding of cultural activities. Increases in cultural funding amounting to #290 million over the next three years were also announced. These are linked to a new system of agreements guaranteeing high standards of public access, educational activities, and management of cultural organisations. Full details are contained in DCMS Press Notice 309/98 of 14 December 1998. 3. The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLAC) will receive #19.5 million from the Culture Department in 2000-01. It will strive to ensure that museums, libraries and archives are known to and widely used by all as key resources for creativity, lifelong learning, economic development and enjoyment. It will be the main source of advice to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on strategic policy within the museums, libraries and archives sector. # = pounds sterling %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%