The Heritage Alliance is delighted to welcome the British Library as a new member. The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and the second largest library in the world, holding over 150 million items from across the globe – housed in a Grade I listed building. Custodianship of some of the most valuable intellectual and cultural assets is the single biggest part of the Library’s mission. The Library’s founding Act outlines its duty to collect, preserve, and provide access to a comprehensive collection across all disciplines and formats. The Library holds a crucial place in the UK’s research infrastructure, as well as the cultural life of the nation. Its impact reaches far beyond the culture sector, adding value in higher education, heritage, business, learning and international partnership.