§ Mr. BradshawTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he intends to undertake a review of the British Library. [98605]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthAs part of my Department's programme of quinquennial reviews of its public bodies, I have today announced the start of our Review of the British Library.
The British Library is the national centre for reference, study and bibliographical and other information services, in relation both to scientific and technological matters and to the humanities. The Review of the Library will include an evaluation of its role and functions and how those functions can best be carried out, and a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the way in which the Library delivers services to its users. We aim to complete the Review during the Spring of 2000. A copy of the Terms of Reference has been placed in the Libraries of the House.