About us
The Network is a network of organisations, including:
- Local authorities (public libraries, archives and museums) in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland
- National museums, archives and libraries (including the House of Lords Record Office; the British Library; the British Museum; the National Library of Wales)
- University Departments (including the Petrie Museum; the Research Centre for Museums and Galleries; Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Professional bodies (such as the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals)
- Heritage organisations (including English Heritage; the Heritage Lottery Fund)
- Charities, voluntary sector organisations (including the National Literacy Trust)
- Individuals committed to tackling social exclusion
Formed following a seminar in February 1999 (as part of the dissemination and publicity for the then Library and Information Commission-funded research project, "Public Library Policy and Social Exclusion", the report of which was published under the title, Open to all?), The Network runs courses, seminars and conferences, and publishes a monthly Newsletter. It also coordinates a number of email lists.
The Network carries out specific projects, such as working as a partner in the “Welcome To Your Library” project, and working with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to promote the role that libraries play in supporting children and young people in care.
Launched nationally at the Public Library Authorities Conference in Torquay in October 1999, The Network now has some 134 organisational members.
In addition, The Network has established a formal relationship with the MLA Partnership, and works with a number of other partners, including RNIB; The Reading Agency; the Quality Leaders Project; Bookscan; Anne Harding; and the NW “Time to Read” network.
The Network is coordinated by John Vincent.