Legislation to modernise the functions and governance of Scotland’s National Library was passed with unanimous support by the Scottish Parliament on 16th May.
The National Library of Scotland (NLS) Bill is designed to strengthen the National Library of Scotland’s role in safeguarding and sharing its collections and to support its work bringing the nation's history and culture to life.
“It is important that legislation keeps pace with the requirement to preserve and develop our National Collections for generations to come,” said Fiona Hyslop. “The Bill captures the main functions of the National Library and gives it a clear purpose, while the functions remain wide enough for the Library to keep developing as an ambitious organisation, enabling it to respond to new technological advances.”
The NLS Bill is intended to define the functions of NLS and updates its powers in line with those of modern public bodies. The National Library of Scotland Act of 1925 did not specifically provide for the Board’s functions, which have evolved over time.
The Bill 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.