Empowering Libraries across Europe to Collaborate and Drive Inclusive Access to Information
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About ELAN
Project Overview & Objectives
Led by EBLIDA, the Creative Europe project ELAN (European Library Association Network) aims to build and strengthen the capacities and professionalisation of library associations across Europe.
ELAN prepares the library sector to play a more proactive role in future cultural policy development and levels the playing field of Europe’s library associations and ultimately its 70,000 libraries and its +100 million users.
Europe’s libraries are evolving and taking on additional societal roles, but the professional levels and capabilities of Europe’s library associations differ widely due to different governance of library associations and libraries themselves in the individual EU member states.
ELAN pulls the heterogenous associations together, gauges in detail their situation and needs, and provides networking, knowledge sharing, capacity building and training in four key areas:
- Democracy building and culture and reading for all
- Sustainability, climate action and the greening of Europe
- Digital transition, digital skills and the potential of AI
- Cultural diplomacy in Europe but outside the EU especially regarding information integrity and the re-building Ukraine’s libraries
Through a tailored and cascading approach, ELAN addresses the diverse needs of library associations, promoting best practices and policy advocacy, and developing sustainable models for libraries across Europe with special attention given across the areas to inclusivity incl. gender equality, mental health, media literacy and information integrity.
The project is running from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028.
This project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
Focus Areas & Expert Groups
The ELAN project is structured around four focus areas, each supported by a dedicated Expert Group. These groups provide thematic expertise, develop policy recommendations, and ensure the quality and relevance of ELAN’s activities within their focus area.
Each Expert Group is composed of six members:
- A chairperson (or a temporary quartermaster until a chair is elected)
- A secretary (also an expert, selected by peers)
- Three additional experts
- One EBLIDA Executive Committee liaison
The Expert Groups contribute policy recommendations, summaries, statements, and other thematic outputs in line with the objectives of their respective Work Packages.
Steering Commitee - Guiding the ELAN Vision
The ELAN Steering Committee provides strategic guidance, oversight, and expert advice throughout the duration of the project (2025–2028). It ensures effective implementation, alignment with the project goals, and collaboration and coherence across work packages.
Members
Chair
Zélia Parreira
Associação Portuguesa de Bibliotecários, Arquivistas, Profissionais da Informação e Documentação / (Portuguese Association of Librarians, Archivists, Information and Documentation Professionals, BAD)
Erna Winters
VOB – Vereniging Openbare Bibliotheken / (The Netherlands Library Association)
Antonios Mourikis
ΕΕΒΕΠ – Ένωση Ελλήνων Βιβλιοθηκονόμων και Επιστημόνων Πληροφόρησης / (Association of Greek Librarians and Information Scientists, AGLIS)
Jessica Jacobs
Vlaamse Vereniging voor Bibliotheek-, Archief- en Documentatiewezen (VVBAD) / (Flemish Association for Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres)
Ex-officio Members
Andrew Cranfield
EBLIDA Director
Inês M. Ferreira
EBLIDA Project Manager
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Key Deliverables
The ELAN project (2025–2028) is designed to strengthen Europe’s library associations through shared knowledge, strategic capacity building, and inclusive collaboration. Our deliverables reflect this ambition. With practical tools, research, and events that support library professionals, inform policymakers, and contribute to the broader European cultural sector.
Overview
- Strategic research and mapping to better understand the needs, challenges, and capacities of library associations across Europe.
- Hands-on toolkits and guides tailored to support advocacy, digital transformation, sustainability, and partnerships beyond the EU.
- A diverse range of professional development opportunities, including webinars, workshops, and mentoring schemes.
- Practical policy recommendations and position papers that promote the role of libraries in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Share resources, project updates, and opportunities to get involved.
Our goal is not just to deliver content, but to build a community of practice that empowers library associations to shape the future locally, nationally, and internationally.
Detailed Deliverables
Year 1 (2025)
- Baseline survey report
- A Europe-wide survey of library associations to map capacities, challenges, and needs.
- Communication Toolkit for Library Associations. Practical tools and templates to support outreach, visibility, and EU-level engagement.
- The Green Librarian Handbook. A roadmap for libraries engaging in climate action and sustainable development (Publication in year 2, in 2026).
- Outreach Framework to Non-EU Countries. Guidelines for fostering cross-border partnerships with libraries in Europe’s neighbourhood.
- Webinar Series: Libraries for a Resilient Europe. A series of capacity-building webinars covering digital innovation, advocacy, and sustainability.
Years 2–4 highlights (2026–2028)
- Publishing The Green Librarian Handbook (2026). A practical and inspirational guide for sustainable library practices across Europe.
- Annual Reports on Library Trends. A yearly digest of developments in library legislation, funding, and digital transformation.
- Position Papers and Policy Recommendations. Targeted outputs for EU policymakers on the value of libraries in education, democracy, and cohesion.
- Peer Learning and Mentoring Programme. Cross-border learning opportunities for emerging leaders in library associations.
- Final Evaluation and Roadmap (2028). A strategic framework for the future of European library cooperation beyond the ELAN project.
The Green Librarian
Handbook
The Green Librarian Handbook is the first in a series of inspiring and practical resources from ELAN, including online tools, position papers, and many others.
Designed to empower libraries, this handbook provides an introduction to sustainability and library practice. It offers a clear framework to help libraries navigate their journey toward becoming key actors in shaping a sustainable future.
And it is just the beginning — with ELAN, your library and library association can be part of a vibrant network as it strengthens the European library sector and leads it toward a more resilient future.
Practical Guide
From sustainability principles to practical action
What is a Green Librarian?
New to the topic? Start with The Green Librarian HandbookELAN in Europe
COMING SOON ...
Project Coordination
The ELAN project is fully coordinated and managed by EBLIDA. No other institution shares responsibility for its delivery, governance, or reporting.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
English (UK)