The role of Britain's cultural institutions is changing in response to the evolving demands of researchers as consumers of information. Many libraries, museums, galleries and archives have made many of our national treasures available online for all over the past decade. However, vast collections still need to be digitised, with huge potential to make connections between formats and locations.
By taking advantage of the UK's broadband and digital infrastructure, which already supports world-class e-commerce and communications, a revolution can take place in opening up access to our cultural resources, in ways that will drive innovation and economic value.
At the event the British Library will share its latest thinking on the digital initiatives required to broaden access to the UK's cultural and intellectual content on the web, for entrepreneurs, citizens, academics and researchers. With new forms of partnership, investment in world-class tools for discovery and presentation, and a commitment to common standards, our cultural institutions could transform the visibility and value -- both cultural and economic -- of our national collections around the world.
We will explore a range of issues including:
How can large-scale digital initiatives contribute to growth and what can be done to make this more effective?
How can national institutions get involved in this process?
What role can the Government play in investing and joining up digital infrastructure projects?
SPEAKERS:
CHAIR: Chris Yiu, Head of Digital Government, Policy Exchange
Roly Keating, Chief Executive, British Library
Sir Peter Bazalgette, Chairman, Arts Council England
