Where does the British Library Go from St Pancras?

Abstract

Takes the opportunity of the official public opening of the British Library’s new building to reassess the whole project objectively. Comments on the improved environment provided for users by the new library relative to the old. Disadvantages due to the lack of restaurants and bookshops are judged to be short term as the area develops under the influence of the Library. Nevertheless, the long term prognosis is deemed fairly gloomy due to continuing growth in the rate of acquisitions, expected increased use of the collections, increasingly urgent need for preservation and the shortfall in funding. Cites extracts from BL2001: initiative for change; the briefing paper announcing a new planning process which aims to build on the Library’s current strengths. The Strategic Review which is at the heart of the process will consider each of the British Library’s roles and consider some far reaching possibilities. Possible solutions to the funding crisis could include increased efficiency and more flexible work patterns and commercial activities, through partnerships with the commercial sector. Questions the ability of the British Library to implement its stated aim of achieving a new, broad vision of a national library. Concludes that it has moved to a new building and is standing on the threshold of a digital revolution yet is suffering from financial diffulties which threaten to undermine future achievements.