MLA South East has developed resources to assist Local Authorities in achieving standards and performance measures for museums, libraries and archives.
Local Authority cultural provision often includes independent cultural organisations which receive annual funding for core services such as premises and staff. These services are also considered when assessing the performance of cultural services in a local authority area.
The following index of resources identify ways in which people working in the cultural sector can demonstrate how museums, libraries and archives contribute to improving the quality of life of people living in the South East:
- Libraries and Sustainable Communities: MLA South East's In Brief outlines the broad range of valuable services which South East libraries provide to their local communities.
- Local Area Agreements: MLA South East, along with the regional cultural agencies, the South East England Development Agency, the Learning and Skills Council and Government Office South East have been working collectively to develop online guidance and support for the cultural sector in Local Area Agreements. MLA South East’s LAA summary also provides a focus on cultural contribution and engagement with LAAs and links to detailed government guidance.
- Museum, Library & Archive Provision in the South East: MLA South East commissioned research to help local authorities ensure that the right planning guidance is in place to raise funds for museums, libraries and archives by providing a guide to the key ingredients of a successful local planning scheme and examples of good practice.
- Comprehensive Performance Assessment: The Museums Libraries and Archives Council's (MLA) Museum Accreditation Scheme sets nationally agreed stands for UK museums. The Audit Commission, the national watchdog for local government, has proposed that Museum Accreditation form the basis of a performance indicator within Comprehensive Assessment (CPA), the means by which local councils in England, and the services that they provide to the public, are assessed. Our briefing note sets out what this means for local councils, and for museums.
- Regional Commentaries: Regional Commentaries are intended to provide a vehicle for a structured dialogue between cultural agencies (Sport England; Arts Council South East; MLA South East and Culture South East), the Government Office and local authorities. Our Briefing Note provides more detail.
- Paying for Growth: The population of the South East is growing rapidly. MLA South East has been working to ensure that museums, libraries and archives meet the needs of both existing and developing communities.
