British Library and BBC sign archive access deal

A joint steering committee will develop new ways of integrating access

The BBC and the British Library are to work together to make their assets more widely available.

The arrangement will seek to integrate access to nearly one million hours of BBC TV and radio content and more than 150 million British Library items.

Director general Mark Thompson said it was "vital" the BBC and library "give the public the access they deserve."

The BBC has made similar arrangements with the British Film Institute (BFI) and the National Archives.

Thompson and Dame Lynne Brindley, head of the British Library, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will seek to develop new ways of integrating access.

The organisations will also collaborate on issues such as rights management, digitisation and storage.

"Providing increasing access to our collections using digital technologies is a primary goal of the British Library," said Dame Lynne.

"Unparalleled access to joint information services and world-class digital archival content will truly enable the business, academic, scientific, research and creative communities to flourish."