New EU report: the multiple roles of public libraries should be recognised and reinforced
Investing in public libraries benefits society and democracy in the long run, study finds.
A significant asset
There are an estimated 67 000 public libraries serving 757 million visitors and 75 million registered users each year in Europe.
These libraries represent a significant, yet underused, asset for Europe and Europeans in addressing social, cultural and educational challenges.
To examine how to strengthen and promote the multiple roles of public libraries, 36 experts from 25 EU countries came together in an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Group mandated by the EU council.
The group has now published its findings. The purpose of its report is to trigger debates and actions within and outside the librarian community.
This report is an inspiration for policymakers at local, national, and European levels, encouraging them to share knowledge to build knowledge.
The European Commission remains committed to enhancing public libraries as vibrant, inclusive forums, promoting access to information, quality of life, and shared values.
- write Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness and Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport in their foreword of the report illustrating the multidimensional role of public libraries.
Ten challenges that public libraries already address
In their report, the experts identified ten key societal challenges– with numerous examples - where libraries across Europe are taking local responsibility to address the needs of their communities.
Those 10 challenges include
- Enhancing lifelong learning in a literate and skilled society
- Ensuring access to culture and promoting a rich, diverse cultural ecosystem
- Fostering social cohesion and building communities
- Narrowing the digital divide
- Strengthening the resilience and the functioning of democracy
- Stimulating economic competitiveness, development, employment and growth
- Contributing to environmental sustainability
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Supporting urban and rural development
- Building resilience for crises and disasters
Recommendations
In their conclusions, the expert group emphasises how vital it is for public libraries to be recognised as essential services for which free access must be guaranteed.
To strengthen and future-proof the role of public libraries, the group recommends making changes in the following six areas:
- legal and policy framework
- funding
- data
- workforce
- sustainability and inclusion
- digital
Background
The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) is a practical and structured way to bring together representatives from EU countries to work together on specific topics.
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