The National Art Library (NAL) is one of the world’s greatest art libraries and is one of the national collections held in trust at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London. With over 1 million items, it holds the UK's most comprehensive public reference collection covering the field​s of art, craft and design. It is an invaluable asset, freely accessible to the public, researchers, V&A staff members and students of Fashion, Design, Art and Architecture. 

The Museum's management are proposing to cut two thirds of its staff, 20 jobs, at the NAL, with the remaining staff still under review. We believe this would have a devastating impact on Library services which will threaten the future of this internationally important collection. The proposal includes the plan to "close the NAL to the public for 12 months", with an interim service delivered online only. 

The Trade Unions representing NAL Staff are opposing these damaging proposals. Many staff have given years, if not decades, of committed service to the Museum and its community. Many staff have young families and ongoing financial commitments, they now all face an uncertain future during a global pandemic. Please add your name to our calls For Dr Hunt (Director of the V+A) to stop the deep and damaging cuts to the NAL services.