Presentations

Stimulating the libraries of Europe – An analysis of European programmes

Breda Karun

The paper provides an overview of the position of libraries within the EU policies, which are demonstrated by strategic documents, and reflected in various programmes supporting development of libraries in modern society. It has been 25 years since the European Parliament drew political attention to the importance of libraries to the Community. At the beginning, programmes were focused exclusively on libraries and the development of library systems. As the awareness of much wider role of libraries in the society has grown, libraries became recognised as organisations which can significantly contribute to the realisation of common European strategic goals. Libraries as coordinators or partners are involved in a range of projects in the field of R&D, lifelong learning, culture, social inclusion and others.

A number of EU supported projects have paved the ground for recognition and promotion of the role of libraries at European and national levels.