In an address to participants, Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society Erkki Liikanen said: '[...] libraries are ideally placed to serve the needs of citizens wishing to participate more actively in the information society. [...] They are now increasingly able to provide guidance and mediated access to the vast array of digital information resources which exist at local, national and global levels.'
There are over 150 million registered users of public libraries within the 36 European countries represented at the event. With such high levels of membership, policy makers acknowledge the potential contribution of libraries in seeking to promote new technologies and bridge the digital divide.
Specifically, ministers agreed that local, national and European support for public libraries working with museums and archives would benefit the population in four key areas.
First, such measures would promote democracy and citizenship, as libraries provide community focussed support and are attuned to the special requirements of groups such as those with disabilities, teenagers, the elderly, the unemployed, and those living in rural areas. Through the provision of Internet access, libraries can also support the take up of e-government, e-health and e-learning services.
A second key benefit is the contribution of libraries, museums and archives to lifelong learning. Institutions should develop their roles as centres for de-institutionalised and informal learning, the participants said, and continue to promote literacy using all means, including the Internet.
As Europe's most popular public Internet access points, libraries also have a key role to play in economic and social development, through providing access and training to those in risk of e-exclusion. Participants suggested that public institutions work together with local businesses to support the growth of the knowledge economy in Europe by providing valuable information services.
A final aim for support initiatives should be the preservation of cultural diversity, say delegates. In particular, libraries should aim to support ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious identities through the creation of a 'community memory' of digital resources available to all.
Commissioner Liikanen described the manifesto of conclusions from the event as building on the existing strengths of local libraries and library networks while reinforcing collaboration with museums, archives and cultural sites. 'It sets the scene for exciting developments in the years to come,' he said.
For further information, please consult the following web address: www.pulmanweb.org/news/PULMANconference.htm
Quelle: Cordis
