The Work of The British Council Medical Library and Its Relation to Other Activities of The Council

摘要

THE Royal Charter granted in 1940 to the British Council defined its purposes as promoting a wider knowledge of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and of the English language abroad, developing closer cultural relations with other countries for the purpose of benefiting the British Commonwealth of Nations, and holding and dealing with money provided by Parliament or by gift in aid of these objects. The terms of the Charter the Council fulfils through its Representatives abroad, who are to a large extent responsible for the choice of activity in their country, and wholly responsible for its execution and for establishing contacts there, with staff at the London headquarters acting as intermediaries in the United Kingdom. On the arts side, the Council is charged with promoting abroad a knowledge of British drama, fine arts, and music, which activities are based upon three small specialist departments at headquarters, guided by professional committees and panels. These departments initiate tours, lectures, and exhibitions, help visitors to the United Kingdom and foreign students to make appropriate contacts here, and provide books, films, and music recordings.