Project Activities

The DigLib project brings together research, innovation, and community engagement to reimagine the role of public libraries in the digital age. Through a series of interlinked activities – from mapping digital skills to creating a dynamic digital education environment – the project supports librarians in becoming digital community moderators. At the core of DigLib is a commitment to non-formal education and social inclusion, equipping libraries to respond to evolving societal needs with confidence and creativity.

On this page, you’ll find videos, learning resources, and key publications that document our progress and share insights from across our 20 Living Labs in four European countries. These materials reflect the project’s practical impact and its broader ambition: to create inclusive, connected, and digitally empowered library communities.

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Reports & publications

Dive into the findings and insights of the project’s trans-national research activities.

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August 29, 2025
Report
Case study collection

As public libraries evolve to meet the demands of the digital age, their roles are expanding beyond traditional services. Libraries today are vital hubs for digital access, cultural engagement, and lifelong learning. They provide not only access to digital information and tools, but also guidance and training that help individuals navigate an increasingly digital world.

Published as part of the DigLib project’s research activities, this case study collection explores and highlights a range of innovative initiatives from across Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania that reflect this transformation. Focusing on educational activities related to digital technologies, the collection aims to gather data on initiatives around digital technologies in public libraries, with a special focus on adult education and showcase the diversity of digital skills training and educational offers currently being implemented in public libraries across Europe. It can inspire library professionals with new ideas and practices from the wider European network and identify the skill development needs of library staff to support these activities effectively.

By sharing these examples, we aim to support the ongoing development of libraries as inclusive learning spaces that respond to the needs of their communities in the digital era.

August 06, 2025
Report
DigLib Research Report

This open-access research report presents the findings of the DigLib project’s research activities. FRSI (Poland), PL2030 (Belgium), EOS (Romania), CSBNO (Italy) contributed to the collection and analysis of data in their respective countries. The robust research framework that combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies included:

  • A cross-national digital skills audit survey completed by 270 public library staff across Italy, Poland, Romania, and Flanders;
  • Desk research reviewing academic and non-academic training opportunities, national library landscapes, and relevant European initiatives;
  • Expert interviews with 12 professionals across the four countries;
  • Four national advisory boards providing feedback and consultation via focus groups;
  • The collection of 15 case studies illustrating innovative practices from within and beyond the partner countries.

Drawing on this, the report explores how librarians are engaging with digital education - and where they need more support. The research findings highlight a shared recognition among all participating countries of the critical role libraries play in promoting digital inclusion and education, particularly for adults at risk of digital exclusion. While many public libraries demonstrate strong motivation and foundational skills, the study reveals a shared need for advanced digital competencies, pedagogical training, and access to emerging technologies like AI, VR, and data tools. This research serves as the foundation for the design of DigLib’s training methodology and immersive learning platform, and provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving role of public libraries in a digital society.

Importantly, the report doesn’t just identify gaps - it provides a roadmap. Key recommendations include creating hands-on, modular training programmes tailored to national contexts, empowering librarians to become digital facilitators and community educators. Special attention is also given to helping underserved groups such as older adults, migrants, youth, and job seekers access the skills they need to thrive in a digital society.

Whether you're a librarian, adult educator, policymaker, or digital inclusion advocate, this report serves as a resource to inform sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready library services.