Advancing Digital Empowerment of Libraries in Europe
▶Summary
Digital technologies have profoundly changed our personal, professional and educational lives. Changes due to digital progress are far-reaching and the library sector is now exploring new roles, methods, and services in lifelong learning to better reach users and make their services more user-friendly. But how can libraries know if they’re using digital technologies to their full potential? The project’s goal was to answer this question by offering a free self-evaluation tool and training opportunities to help libraries reflect on how they use and where they can further integrate digital technologies to improve their services. ADELE was designed to empower libraries in the digital era by making staff and managers aware of their needs in order to drive change within their organisation. Finally, through a participatory project, the partnership wanted to address the need for libraries to embrace international mobilities and training opportunities that play a crucial role in fostering personal, professional, and societal development, while also promoting European integration and cooperation. To this end, within ADELE, a vibrant and dynamic community of 100 European libraries has been created to answer these needs.
▶Objectives
The general objective of the ADELE project was to design and test a self-assessment tool aimed at assisting libraries in assessing their digital readiness and preparedness. Additionally, the project sought to help libraries enhance the services tailored to library users. The specific objectives were: - Test and adapt the questions list of the EU Commission's SELFIE tool to the non-formal adult education sector - Develop advanced digital competencies for educators working with adults in non-formal settings Throughout its implementation, the project successfully attained the following objectives: -to increase understanding and competencies around digital skills support for library users -to increase awareness of new opportunities and challenges for public libraries in relation to digital skills and the use of existing and new technologies -to consider the current and future role of libraries regarding digital skills -to support libraries in Europe in gaining a greater awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in terms of digital support for users and provision of digital technologies -to provide an opportunity for European public libraries to engage in a broader and international network across Europe
▶Activities
The project was divided into 3 main working phases: -Project launch, selection and training; -ADELE tool development and testing; -Capacity building process for adult education staff in libraries. Partners carried out the following specific activities: -Development of a methodological framework and testing of the original SELFIE tool -Conceptual design of beta version of the ADELE tool and validation of libraries -Technical development of the beta version of the ADELE tool -Further internal and external testing of the tool -Finalisation and translation of the ADELE tool -Launch of the ADELE tool, supported by a user manual available in partner languages -Development of a toolkit to support the digital transformation of libraries using the ADELE self-assessment tool -Collection of inspiring case studies on digital innovation in libraries -Organisation and implementation of 4 international training mobilities for European librarians -Delivery of 4 webinars on digital skills development in public libraries in Europe The project included management and dissemination activities that included transnational project meetings, joint staff training, organisation of multiplier events and promotion of the ADELE resources.
▶Impact
The ADELE project achieved two main results: -Web-based self-assessment tool for libraries and organisations involved in non-formal adult education -Digital toolkit for librarians and practitioners in non-formal adult education The ADELE toolkit includes: -4 webinars guiding the activation of a capacity-building process useful for digital transformation in public libraries -4 International LTTAs for librarians -User manual to configure and use the ADELE tool -Communications kit -Educational videos -Collection of 102 case studies At the beginning of the project, an international network of 100 European libraries was created to test and validate the ADELE tool and to offer capacity-building opportunities. To this end, the international training opportunities and resources offered within the ADELE project represent another important result and milestone for the sector involved. Internally, the project included 4 TPMs, joint staff training, and monthly meetings via Zoom. The partnership followed operational and administrative guidelines and created internal resources, such as a Q&A and dissemination plan. To maximise the dissemination of the results, social media pages and a website were created.