New Year Honours 2023: British Library chief Roly Keating knighted for services to literature

Roly Keating. Photograph: Miyagawa / Wikicommons

Roland “Roly” Keating, chief executive of the British Library since 2012, has been awarded a knighthood for services to literature.

Keating is the husband of Green party Islington councillor Caroline Russell.

Commenting on the award, he said: “This is an incredible honour to receive, and I see it as a recognition of the unique role that the British Library has come to play in the national life over the past five decades.

“The Library’s collection is a marvel, but what brings it to life for our users is the expertise and dedication of our staff, who work creatively and tirelessly to make our intellectual and cultural heritage available to all, whether for research, inspiration or employment.

“In July 2023, we celebrate the Library’s 50th anniversary, and this is a wonderful way to mark the start of our milestone year.”

Keating is a chairperson of the Conference of European National Libraries and chairs the ‘Towards a National Collection’ steering committee, which is making a virtual national museum, gallery and library collection that is accessible to all.

His legacy to the British Library includes helping instate the National Newspaper Building, which preserves and houses the Library’s newspaper collection, getting authors paid for book-lending through the Public Lending Right scheme, and creating a training, event and resource programme for people starting businesses.