London: 26 August 2008

The National Archives (TNA) Annual Report for 2007/2008 has been published (Reference: HC675, ISBN 9780102955675, dated 14 July 2008). The UK Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) is a part of The National Archives and features within the TNA Annual report.

Quotes from the report:

“Furthermore, in relation to re-use of public sector information, a policy area we lead for UK government, the recent annual report reviewing UK progress against the relevant European Directive confirmed the UK’s position as an exemplar across Europe in this field.” (Page 5)

“We published an annual report reviewing UK progress against the European Directive in the re-use of public sector information. This confirms the UK’s position as an exemplar across Europe in the field of public sector information. Since then, we have built on the progress made and have cemented the UK’s pre-eminent position ahead of the European Commission’s formal review of the implementation.” (Page 11)

“Playing key role in advising on information policy in government, delivering access to public sector information (including legislation and other key official publications) and encouraging its re-use, guiding government and public record bodies on selection and transfer of records, and advising local archives across England and Wales.” (Page 16)

Annex C of the report sets out The National Archives’ Vision 2007-2012, which states:

“Rapid changes in the information world continue to present the most complex and challenging set of tasks we have ever faced. It is not too much to say that the future nature and existence of government archives depends on our being successful in our objectives. Of these challenges, there are three in particular that are of immense significance and determine our priorities for our future development.

Challenge 1:

Government and the wider information sector need better information management to strengthen accountability, treat information with appropriate security, and release the potential of their assets.

By 2012 we aim to:

• Shape future government information policy, from information creation to re-use
• Show leadership in helping the public sector understand the importance of good information management
• Create a common infrastructure of services and guidance to support these aims

Challenge 2:

In addition to preserving the nation’s existing paper records, we need to rise to ensuring the ongoing readibility of digital information for future generations.

By 2012 we aim to:

• Preserve records of all kinds; physically at The National Archives, and through our influence elsewhere
• Work with others in the United Kingdom to ensure that between us, the right information is preserved for today’s business and tomorrow’s history
• Collaborate across the world to share expertise and innovation

Challenge 3:

Increasingly people expect to find, use and learn from information online. They expect it to be personalised and connected to their wider life. They expect to have it immediately.

By 2012 we aim to:

• Make a positive difference to people’s future by connecting them to the past
• Provide researchers and customers wherever they are with easy access to records and expertise, online services, connected to trusted partners
• Increasingly focus our reading rooms on being a centre for expert help and specialist research."