Further information about the region’s museums can also be found on the UK’s official guide to over 3000 museums, galleries, exhibitions and heritage attractions - The 24 Hour Museum: http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/ 

Accredited & Registered Museums 

The Museums Libraries & Archives Council (MLA)’s Museum Accreditation Scheme, introduced in 2004, sets nationally agreed standards for UK museums.  To qualify, museums must meet clear basic requirements on how they care for and document their collections, how they are governed and managed, and on the information and services they offer to their users. 

Prior to the Accreditation Scheme, Resource (MLA’s predecessor) operated the Museums Registration Scheme, which also set minimum standards that measured museum performance against accepted professional standards. Museums that are currently Registered will be assessed under the Accreditation Scheme in the future. 

Designation 

The MLA’s Designation Scheme identifies the pre-eminent collections of national and international importance held in England's non-national museums, libraries and archives, based on their quality and significance. These inspiring collections represent a vital part of our national cultural and artistic heritage.  The Scheme recognises that organisations with Designated collections care for a significant part of England's cultural heritage.  In the East Midlands, there are two museums with Designated collections: Northampton Museum & Art Gallery’s boot and shoe collection; and the National Tramway Museum at Crich. 

Find out more about the above schemes from the MLA website at http://www.mla.gov.uk 

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