20/07/10 - Justin Tomlinson MP, Museums Libraries & Archives

Justin Tomlinson MP with the 1966 World Cup football.
(The 1966 World Cup football forms part of the National Football Museum's collection)

Justin Tomlinson MP attended the Museums Libraries & Archives (MLA) event.

The MLA is currently pushing the case for more creative planning by the sector to respond to the current financial climate, and to ensure the public get the most out of the £2bn plus that national and local government invest in the sector.

This is set out in the MLA short document:

Please click to access - Sharper Investment

A prime example of our Sharper Investment principles being put into practice is the new MLA/Local Government Association Group Library Support Programme (recently announced by the Culture Minister). We will be initially working with 10 local authorities (councils to be confirmed) and providing them with expert support and advice on delivering the key services valued by communities while driving down costs. We are also supporting the the Society of Chief Librarians public library promise to Race Online 2012 (the campaign led by UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox), that the library network will help half a million people gain digital skills by the end of 2012.

Justin Tomlinson MP, "I was able to discuss the MLA Accreditation Scheme which sets nationally agreed standards for museums in the UK and indentifies opportunities for further improvement. 

"In addition I spoke at great length about Swindon's experiences with delivering the new £10m central library and the future provision of community libraries.  I will contine to press for support for community library provision, which I feel can be enhanced by seeking opportunities to intergrate with other local services."