Paccar and the British Library Announce Charitable Gift

30 July 2008

The British Library has received a substantial donation from Paccar Inc to support activities which will redefine the role of the Library in the 21st century. The donation of £1 million has been generously directed to the Library to assist in the development and implementation of a world class technology platform which will digitise the Library's vast resources for unparalleled access by the global community.

Dame Lynne Brindley DBE, Chief Executive of the British Library, says: "We are delighted to receive this generous gift. Access to knowledge is changing dramatically and the donation will help us considerably on our journey to ensure that the Library remains relevant to researchers both today and tomorrow."

By the application of new digital technologies, the British Library can transform access to its collections and respond to the changing needs of researchers. The Library has already taken many steps to provide better access to collection materials through digitisation and will undertake further ambitious projects to offer audiences around the world a chance to enjoy and research its resources.

"PACCAR is pleased to be a long-term global partner with the British Library and extend its world class educational resources to everyone who has an interest in the dynamic heritage of the UK," shared Mr Mark Pigott OBE, PACCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "PACCAR is celebrating three decades of being the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the UK, with our Foden, Leyland and DAF brands. We recognize that education is paramount to the growth and success of individuals and society and that the British Library is a leader in providing many opportunities to secure knowledge on a wide range of subjects."

This remarkable donation highlights Paccar's continued support for the British Library, with previous gifts funding the British Library Conservation Centre and the Library's extensive exhibition programme. PACCAR is also sponsoring the exhibition Henry VIII, Man and Monarch scheduled to open at the British Library in April 2009.

For further information and interviews please contact Lawrence Christensen in the British Library's Press Office lawrence.christensen@bl.uk / +44[0]20 7412 7114 or Suvi Kankainen suvi.kankainen@bl.uk / +44[0]20 7412 7105.

Notes to Editors

1. The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries. It provides world class information services to the academic, business, research and scientific communities and offers unparalleled access to the world's largest and most comprehensive research collection. The Library's collection has developed over 250 years and exceeds 150 million separate items representing every age of written civilisation. It includes: books, journals, manuscripts, maps, stamps, music, patents, newspapers and sound recordings in all written and spoken languages (www.bl.uk).

2. PACCAR Inc (www.paccar.com) is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. It also provides financial services and information technology and aftermarket support for its customers worldwide. The Paccar Foundation has generously supported many of the UK's leading education, arts, and social service organisations, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, St. Paul's Cathedral, Cancer Research UK, and University of Cambridge.