The British Library Management Agreement (BLMA) is a crucial document that governs the relationship between the British Library and its stakeholders. It is a tool that helps the library manage its collection, resources, and services effectively, and ensure that they are accessible to all.
The BLMA was first introduced in 2015, and it was the result of a comprehensive review of the Library`s operations and funding. The review had highlighted the need for the Library to adopt a more business-like approach to its operations, and the BLMA was seen as a key part of that effort.
The BLMA outlines the roles and responsibilities of the British Library Board, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. It also sets out the terms of the Library`s funding, which includes both government grants and revenue generated from commercial activities.
One of the key objectives of the BLMA is to ensure that the British Library remains a leading research institution, providing access to its vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials. The BLMA sets out a number of performance measures that the Library must meet, including the number of items added to its collection each year, the number of visitors, and the number of online users.
The BLMA also requires the Library to be more financially self-sufficient, and to generate more revenue from its commercial activities. This has led to the Library developing a range of digital services and products, such as online databases, e-books, and digitized materials.
However, the BLMA has not been without its critics. Some have argued that it places too much emphasis on commercial activities, and that this could lead to the Library prioritizing revenue generation over its core mission of providing access to information and knowledge. Others have raised concerns about the future of the Library`s physical collections, and whether they will receive the funding and support they require.
Despite these concerns, the BLMA remains a vital tool for managing the British Library`s operations and funding. As the Library continues to evolve and adapt to changing technological and societal trends, the BLMA will play an essential role in ensuring that it remains a world-class institution for generations to come.
