The Bookseller.com

7th October 2008

MLA library specialism could go

24.01.08 Benedicte Page

Proposed restructuring at the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council could see library specialisms dropped in favour of posts that work generically across all three sectors, it emerged this week. A change of emphasis is also likely to see the MLA focusing its role more on advising libraries and government, instead of pushing consumer-focused campaigns such as Love Libraries.

An MLA spokesperson said: "It’s envisaged that in the future we'll work more flexibly and generically. Rather than working on one specific dimension like libraries, we’ll work increasingly across the three sectors. The [MLA] structure will reflect that."

A restructure was announced in December and is currently in the middle of staff consultation, including consultation on the structure of the London-based headquarters, consisting of 25 staff. As part of the restructure, corporate services (HR, finance and IT) and some additional posts will be relocated to Birmingham by the end of September. MLA c.e.o. Roy Clare has described the proposals as "an important step on the way to ensuring that MLA serves its sector effectively and efficiently."

Benedicte Page libraries MLA Roy Clare

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