Three major European library organisations, EBLIDA, NAPLE and PL2030, will pool resources and efforts to strengthen library work in Europe.
This initiative will bring together over 60 European library services and 68 national library bodies to create a stronger presence for European libraries.
Their work will focus on three main areas:
- Intelligence sharing and co-ordination of advocacy actions
- Mutual support to increase the participation of libraries in EU funded programmes
- Joint research and data sharing for the range of stakeholders represented by the three organisations.
The three organisations have worked together on an informal basis for years and see this as a natural step towards closer cooperation in a Europe that is now more connected than ever. This move will help European libraries to learn from each other and collaborate to increase their impact.
The European region, especially with regards to the programmes and policies of the European Union, requires a strongly aligned approach from the library field. Pooling resources and sharing intelligence is a first step to strengthening the representation of library interests to policy makers in all relevant institutions.
The co-operation programme will officially launch on June 16, 2022, at EBLIDA’s 30th anniversary conference in Athens.
The European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations, the National Authorities of Public Libraries in Europe, and Public Libraries 2030 will continue their specialties and areas of focus while also continuing to work with other partners in the library field.
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You can download the media release here.
Notes to editor
EBLIDA is the community and networking hub for all library, information and documentation associations and institutions in Europe striving towards a sustainable, democratic and equitable society.
NAPLE is an international non-governmental association pursuing the interests of the national library authorities in Europe. Its main aim is to promote principles and strategies for public library policies.
PL2030 is a Brussels-based organisation working to build connections between innovative library practice and build recognition of the contribution of the library sector in EU institutions.
For more information:
EBLIDA: Giuseppe Vitiello, Director of EBLIDA: G.Vitiello@eblida.org
NAPLE: Stuart Hamilton, President of the board of NAPLE: shamilton@lgma.ie
PL2030: Ilona Kish, Director of Public Libraries 2030: ilona@pl2030.eu