§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) why the recent advertisement for a Chief Executive of the British Library has not restricted applicants to professional qualified librarians;
- (2) what bodies and organisations she consulted before deciding on the form of the advertisement for the Chief Executive of the British Library;
- (3) if it is her intention to alter the title of Chief Executive of the British Library to the customary title of Librarian of the British Library; and to what extent she intends to call other librarians by the title of Chief Executive;
- (4) if she will appoint a professional librarian to the post of Chief Executive of the British Library in order to maintain the morale of the library profession
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe successful applicant will be the person best qualified to discharge the responsibilities of the post, which will include membership of the British Library Board with its wide-ranging statutory duties for the control and management of the library. As the 17W advertisement makes clear, experience in the field of libraries and information science will be an advantage, though substantial administrative experience will be needed. The form of the advertisement is in line with the views of the British Library Organising Committee, which reflects library and other interests concerned, as to the qualities and experience needed for the post. The title to be attached to it will be for the board to determine.