The research focused on the changes required from public libraries when developing new or integrating traditional and new services. The study team analysed inspiring examples of public libraries in Europe and their policy framework. Particular attention has been paid to identifying barriers to progress and opportunities for co-operation between the public libraries and with other memory organisations and service suppliers. A main objective of the study was also to make recommendations about the professional development of librarians in the Information Society. A background paper summarising the research process, the main findings of the studies and first recommendations for local, national and European actions was circulated in advance to workshop participants, which included the contractors, representatives of case and country studies, persons in key positions in the Member States and participants in EC projects involving public libraries.
Public libraries have a key role to play as a gateway into resources of interest to their users.
The morning's session outlined the vision and state of the art of public libraries as documented in case and country studies. Themes were the opportunities and limits of the new roles of the public library, their roles, tasks and functions, the technological development as a prerequisite the new era information services, the major barriers for development and new opportunities and the key area of education, training and continuing professional development. The local public library will develop according to local needs.