Introducing DigLib

Participants of the DigLib project kick-off meeting standing in front of a bookshelf, smiling in an informal and collaborative setting.

We’re thrilled to introduce the DigLib (Digital Libraries) project! Funded by the Erasmus+ programme from 2025-2027, this project will harness the potential of public libraries as inclusive community hubs for lifelong learning. We are on a mission to transform public libraries into vibrant digital hubs, empowering librarians as community moderators. DigLib brings together five partners across four EU countries: FRSI (Poland), PL2030 (Belgium), EOS (Romania), CSBNO (Italy), and Dot Beyond (Italy).

Project kick-off in Milan

In March 2025, the consortium met in Milan for the first time to kick-off the project and its activities. During the kick-off, the partners had the opportunity to present the DigLib project and its approach to the Italian library sector during the ‘Waiting for Next Library 2025’ event, which took place in the context of the annual Stelline Conference.

Perspective view of an elevated corridor in a contemporary library, with people exploring the area and bookshelves visible below.

Why DigLib?

Recently, the rapid digital transformation in society has impacted the way in which citizens engage with information and digital technologies. Digital technologies are also increasingly shaping educational practices and skills required in professional contexts. Innovation efforts, such as the digitisation of public services, has also created marginalisation and exclusion of those individuals who lack digital competences and access to technologies. So, how can the digital transformation be made more inclusive?

A group of people listens to an informal presentation inside a modern library, surrounded by bookshelves and large windows.

The DigLib approach

Public libraries play a vital role in addressing this challenge. As community hubs for lifelong learning, they already provide support to individuals from all social groups in accessing information, providing assistance with digital technologies, and the development of new skills. The changes in society has also led to a significant transformation of the role of the public library and its staff. The DigLib project seeks to leverage the power of non-formal education to provide librarians with the technological skills needed to innovate and adapt. Our approach will include various activities, such as desk research and the mapping of digital skills, the development of capacity-building programmes, and the creation of immersive learning environments. Our focus will be on helping librarians bridge the digital divide with their community, foster social inclusion, and facilitate access to quality job opportunities among the new digital citizens.

This will include:

Research: Mapping the digital skills of librarians and adult users will be used to design a capacity-building programme
Immersive environments: The capacity-building programme will be delivered through an immersive and dynamic digital education platform
Living Labs: The DigLib approach will be implemented and tested in 20 public libraries across 4 European countries

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