Baroness Estelle Morris to chair libraries commission (UK)

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and the National Literacy Trust are launching a commission to examine the future of school library provision in England. The joint initiative will assess the role of the school library in the 21st century school. The commission will focus on the definition and role of a modern school library; the characteristics of effective school library provision; the agencies and partnerships which can best provide and support this model; and the articulation of a national improvement agenda. The final report will provide an informed and proactive vision for the future of school libraries and their role in supporting learning outcomes. The commission will be chaired by Baroness Estelle Morris, who began her career as a teacher and has held a number of positions in government including Secretary of State for Education & Skills (2001-2002). Baroness Morris will be joined by commissioners including Peter Wanless Chief Executive of the National Lottery Fund, Jean Gross, Director of Every Child a Reader partnership and Catherine Blanshard, Chief Officer of Libraries, Arts and Heritage for Leeds City Council