Strategic alliance emphasises British Library's central role in support of higher education
Strategic alliance emphasises British Library's central role in support of higher education
Keywords: Higher education, British Library
University students and researchers are heavily dependent upon the services of BLDSC. This agreement bodes well for the long term future of this support (Ed.)
A strategic alliance, linking the British Library and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), was announced recently. The BL/HEFCE agreement signals a new commitment to providing the best possible information for the academic and research communities and lifelong learning.
The link between HEFCE – the body responsible for distributing public funds to universities and colleges in England and a key player in developing higher education policy – and the British Library – the nation's leading research library – emphasises the commitment of both organisations to ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of UK information provision.
Key areas for future collaboration include:
research, scholarship and heritage;
developing relationships with business to enhance the UK's international competitiveness; and
widening participation in higher education – for example by developing e-learning resources, contributing to the e-university and working with the public library network.
BL and HEFCE will also work together on new technologies and best management practice.
Commenting on the agreement Lynne Brindley, Chief Executive of the British Library, said: "The Prime Minister has already described the library as a'beacon of excellence' and this is well recognised within the UK research sector. Academic research already accounts for some 50 per cent of British Library usage, whilst our document delivery services save the HE sector many millions each year. This alliance demonstrates the need for the British Library and HEFCE to work together to deliver major benefits to higher education –by developing the national collection; enhancing our catalogues to improve access, and by modernising our services."
Sir Howard Newby, Chief Executive of the HEFCE, said: "The world class research carried out in UK higher education is dependent on resources provided by the British Library. This agreement cements and celebrates the relationship between the library and HE. It prepares the ground for further joint activity to ensure that UK researchers have the resources they need, and to hold our lead in exploiting the full potential of new digital information sources."
Baroness Blackstone, Minister of State for the Arts, concludes: "The British Library plays an important role in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage, supporting Science, the Arts and Humanities and in making its collection widely accessible. We recognise the vital importance of the library to higher education and welcome the contribution this alliance will make to fostering learning, supporting research and contributing to the success of British industry."
Source: Press release
