legal deposit advisory panel

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport wishes to fill two vacancies for independent members of the Legal Deposit Advisory Panel (LDAP)

Closing date for applications
18 June 2008

Background
LDAP was set up in September 2005 to advise the Secretary of State on the implementation of the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003. The 2003 Act defines the deposit regime for print works in the six legal deposit libraries (the British Library; the National Library of Wales; the National Library of Scotland; the Bodleian Library, Oxford; the University Library, Cambridge; and the Library of Trinity College, Dublin), but it is generic in relation to non-print publications, allowing for all current and future non-print works to potentially be included in the Act through regulations. Any regulations will be subject to public consultation and an impact assessment process.

LDAP is currently considering three main formats; offline, e-journals and website archiving, and each format is being trialled through a range of voluntary deposit schemes. Each format will be subject to a voluntary deposit scheme prior to any recommendations for regulation being made. The voluntary schemes operate as pilots, testing how digital content can be deposited, and providing evidence for the need for regulation where applicable.

Reports on LDAP’s operation can be found on the DCMS website

Role of Members
Members of LDAP are expected to build effective working relationships with all parties affected by the 2003 Act, drawing on their own areas of expertise while maintaining an objective focus in order to reach a consensus and to ensure the Secretary of State is provided with sound advice.

LDAP consists of 15 posts including the Chair. Members are drawn from the legal deposit libraries, publishers and independents.

Objectives
All Members of the Panel are expected to:

play an active role in developing the strategic direction and implementation of the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003;
use their expertise and knowledge to help formulate objective advice to the Secretary of State on Regulations for the legal deposit of non-print publications, which is in line with the 2003 Act; and
work collectively to reach consensus, balancing the interests of the key stakeholders and the wider community.
Only one member from any one organisation may be on the Advisory Panel.

The Vacancies - Independent Members

Sectoral expertise is brought to the Panel by members representing the commercial publishing sector or the Legal Deposit Libraries. Independent members – including the individuals selected for these two vacancies – bring other skills and expertise, and in addition are expected to represent the public interest.

We are particularly looking for candidates who:

have experience and understanding of digital content delivery in a ‘not for profit’ environment. This might include those with professional or specific knowledge, or an experienced user of digital content. Applicants from the voluntary and/or charitable sectors would be particularly welcome.
have a background in Information Technology. This might include working in an e-commerce or e-learning environment.
have skills in accountancy, financial planning or economics and direct experience of the commercial and business world in the UK and overseas.

Additional desirable skills and experience:

experience of working with diverse stakeholders and teams at a senior level
excellent communication skills. experience of committee work, or working in an advisory capacity a general understanding of and interest in the evolving world of digitisation in relation to the issue of legal deposit.

Suitable candidates will be assessed on the above criteria.

Time Commitment
A minimum of three meetings of one 1/2 day per year with other sub-group meetings as necessary. Time commitment will vary depending on membership of sub-groups but it will be around 1 day a month.

Remuneration
Posts are unpaid. Reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be paid.

Length of Appointment
The term of appointment will be for four years.

Location of Meetings
Usually London

Supporting Information
This appointment is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

DCMS promotes an equal opportunities policy. Appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent process, and these appointments are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation for whether or not you have dependents

Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 18 June 2008.

Interviews
Interviews are scheduled to be held in London on 17 July 2008.

How to apply
Application forms can be obtained from:

Melanie Crew
Public Engagement and Recognition Unit
Department for Culture, Media & Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH

Email: melanie.crew@culture.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7211 2308

Websites of interest