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National Library Bill passed
The bill to modernise the functions and governance of the National Library of Library (NLS) has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament and will now go forward for royal assent.
MSPs unanimously gave their support to the National Library of Scotland Bill at its stage 3 debate in Holyrood yesterday. The measure defines the functions of NLS – something not done in the previous legislation of 1925 – and updates its powers in line with those of modern public bodies. It also reduces the size of the board, removing reserved places and ensuring all appointments are made by Scottish Ministers based on merit and selection, in line with current public appointments practice following the Nolan principles.
NLS's functions as now defined reflect its role of NLS in relation to preserving, conserving and developing its collections; making the collections available to the public and to people wishing to carry out study and research; exhibiting and interpreting objects in the collection; and promoting collaboration and shared practice amongst the library community.
Welcoming the Parliament’s support for the bill, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said: “One of Europe’s major research and reference libraries, the National Library of Scotland is one of our national treasures. It offers world-class collections and a range of modern library services for the 21st century.
“It is important that legislation keeps pace with the requirement to preserve and develop our national collections for generations to come. This bill, along with the funding I announced earlier this week, will ensure NLS fulfils that purpose, now and in the future."
Professor Michael Anderson, chair of the board of trustees of NLS, said: "This is an important day for NLS. The legislation gives the Library the powers and the board structure it needs to continue to develop as a modern, forward looking institution, providing high quality services to the people of Scotland and those further afield."