NIACE pays tribute to work of MLA Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 14:09

Following the news that the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council is to be wound up by April 2012, Peter Lavender, Deputy Chief Executive of NIACE, said:

"NIACE is deeply disappointed to hear about the Government's intention to close the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)."

"As an arms-length body the MLA has encouraged adults from a range of backgrounds to engage in learning of all kinds. Using its broad range of expert knowledge it has helped many new organisations to see the potential of engaging new and different adult learners. They have also helped put a learning dimension into many organisations."

"Whatever the reasoning behind the closure of the MLA, the dynamic way in which they have seized the informal adult and community learning agenda is a lesson in what arms-length bodies can achieve at short notice and with minimal resources."

"Without the MLA, the world will be a duller place. Let's hope their legacy and their work will continue."