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OPLES - The Opportunities for Libraries in Europe Study

NOTE: This project was completed while the Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM) was based at the University of Central Lancashire during 1993-98. On 1 April 1998, CERLIM moved to a new base at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The Opportunities for Libraries in Europe Study, funded by the British Library Research & Innovation Centre (formerly known as the British Library Research & Development Department), identified European Programmes which offer funding opportunities for libraries, surveyed the LIS sector to identify the barriers and problems of participation, identified sources of information, and made recommendations for action.

The study began in 1993 with a wide-ranging analysis of the funding programmes which are available to libraries and information services from pan-european ( or at least multi-national European) sources. The outcome was a report to the British Library Brophy, P. Opportunities for Libraries in Europe (Library and Information Research Report 103) London: British Library, 1995. 0-7123-3296-0, which provided an overview of the relevant funded programmes catagorised under eight headings:

1. Research and Development, an area of activity where the European Union (EU) is concerned to enhance Europe's competitive position in the international arena as well as to tackle social and economic issues.
2. Assistance to Business & Industry, where the EU is trying to encourage commercial and industrial development, especially through "Small-to-Medium Sized Enterprises" (SMEs).
3. Regional and Structural Aid, directed to the less favoured regions (LFRs) and industries in decline.
4. Cultural Activites, especially those which could involve the exploitation of the common European cultural heritage and the sharing of cultural experiences across national boundaries.
5. Information Activities, both in terms of information about the EU and of more general information for EU citizens and institutions.
6. Education & Training, where the EU is providing support for the mobility of both students and professionals and the acquisition of new skills.
7. Development Aid, provided by the EU to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and to the Third World.
8. Professional Issues which are of particular concern to the LIS community, such as copyright.

The first Study (OPLES 1) also included an extensive survey of UK library and information services (LIS) in the different sectors, both to gauge current experience of European programmes and to examine perceptions of the barriers to involvement. It was noteworthy that among the most widely perceived problems was the cost of participation, especially in terms of time. Also high on the list was the difficulty of finding out about relevant programmes.

The end of this first OPLES study was followed by a programme of regional seminars, held throughout Britain (London, Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Wrexham) at which the results of the first study were disseminated and advice was given to librarians and others who were interested in pursuing opportunities in Europe. This programme was known as OPLES 2. Since the seminars coincided with the run-up to the first call for proposals under the new Framework IV Libraries programme of the European Commission, it was not surprising that the main topic of discussion was the requirements of that programmme. The team were able to disseminate some advance information to would-be participants.

The final study, OPLES 3, was essentially a follow uo tp OPLES 1 and sought to provide, through case studies, some insights into the practical experience of participation in European programmes. The OPLES team was struck during earlier phases by the frequently asked questions of a very practical nature which came from all sides. How do you become involved? How do you find partners, given that the majority of programmes require transnational consortia to be formed? Is involvement worhtwhile, and what are the benefits of being a partner? Are language problems significant? Most of all, would those who had been involved do it again given their experience? Does participation really represent value for money for those who become involved, and in particular for those who fund libraries and information services and for their users?

For further information, please contact:

Professor Peter Brophy
Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM)
Manchester Metropolitan University
Department of Information and Communications
Geoffrey Manton Building
Rosamond Street West
Manchester
M15 6LL

Tel: +44 (0)161 247 6142
Fax:+44 (0)161 247 6979
p.brophy@mmu.ac.uk
cerlim@mmu.ac.uk