http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/394.htm?news=rss

"The National Archives and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) welcome the new government policy on archives - Archives for the 21st Century - which was laid before Parliament today."

Full PDF at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/policy/aft21c/

Of particular interest are the recommendations, particularly from our point of view the 4th one:

"Archives for the 21st Century sets out five key recommendations to help the sector build the foundations for a more sustainable future and respond to the challenges of the digital information age: - Develop bigger and better services in partnership - working towards increased sustainability within the sector - Strengthened leadership and a responsive, skilled workforce - Co-ordinated response to the growing challenge of managing digital information so that it is accessible now and remains discoverable in the future - Comprehensive online access for archive discovery through catalogues and to digitised archive content by citizens at a time and place that suits them - Active participation in cultural and learning partnerships promoting a sense of identity and place within the community This policy does not offer a single blueprint for the way forward, but suggests a range of options that can be applied to short and long term planning in archives, according to local need and priorities."

Mike