Practical information on topics such as funding possibilities and international networks, inspiring case studies, and material to help develop the case for working internationally sit alongside information on MLA’s recent activities in the international arena.

“Working internationally expands horizons, develops skills and opens up new and exciting possibilities for the sector and the people who use its institutions. MLA published its first international strategy in 2002, and we have achieved a great deal towards the report’s aims since then,” Sue Hughes, MLA’s International Policy Adviser said.

MLA has put together a series of factsheets to provide useful information about international work. Information is available to help site users learn about sources of funding, what opportunities professional organisations can provide, and major current and future international issues.

“This area of the website can be used in conjunction with the advocacy section when preparing bids, and the case studies help to give site users an idea of projects that have worked in the past,” Sue said.

Details of the recently-published “Cultural Spend and Infrastructure” report are also available at the site. The report provides a useful comparative study of the Museum, Library and Archive landscape in the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany and Ireland.

“As well as statistical comparisons with the sector in the UK, the report provides detailed information about sector infrastructure in each of the countries surveyed. There is also a detailed case study on the redevelopment of the public library system in Singapore,” Sue said.

“This report contains some fascinating information, and can be viewed and downloaded from our new-look web pages.”

MLA has also renewed its funding commitment to the British Council to support an Advisor post for another year.

“2005 -2006 has been a very successful year of partnership with the British Council, resulting in a number of initiatives developed both to help MALs take advantage of international opportunities, and to ensure that UK sector organisation’s achievements are given due prominence on the international stage,” Sue said.

“Our collaboration for 2006-07 will build on support for the sector, and will focus additionally on regional engagement and specifically ensuring that our smaller institutions are able to take advantage of opportunities for work with China”.

The MLA’s new international web pages can be accessed at: http://www.mla.gov.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/@id=73&Section[@stateId_eq_left_hand_root]/@id=4302&Section[@stateId_eq_selected]/@id=4305&Session/@id=D_Ut5RtnxpXRJjx0pHa16D