The British Library is a creative and resource-efficient library, which is based in Britain and serves the whole world. It has a unique and exquisite collection with a history of 250 years and can be regarded as one of the main sources of learning, research and innovation in the world. Besides being one of the global information bases, it is also the hub of the national library network. Libraries encourage more people to know about the country's recorded heritage; Library planning, products and services have made great contributions to national economy, scientific research, education and innovation, and enriched cultural life. The British Library Act passed by the British Parliament in 1972 stipulates that all departments of the British Museum Library, the National Central Library, the National Science and Technology Lending Library, the Science Reference Library, the Science and Technology Intelligence Bureau and the British National Bibliography Bureau are merged to form the British Library. 1982 In April, the Indian Affairs Office and the Library of the British Royal Document Office, and 1983 National Audio Library were also merged into the British Library.