Welcome & Privacy Notice

Help shape the future of digital and AI services in European libraries
Thank you for taking the time to contribute. This short survey is part of a Europe-wide effort to understand how libraries are adopting digital technologies and artificial intelligence, what is working well, and where libraries need stronger support. Your responses will directly inform European policy recommendations and capacity-building activities for the library sector.

About this survey
This questionnaire is run by the Expert Group on Libraries for Digital Transformation, established under the European Library Associations Network (ELAN). ELAN is a four-year project (2025–2028), led by EBLIDA and co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme. The project supports library associations across Europe and, through them, more than 70,000 libraries and over 100 million users.

The survey builds on the ADELE self-assessment framework — a tool originally developed under Erasmus+ to help libraries reflect on their digital readiness. This new edition expands ADELE to address artificial intelligence, data governance, and the ethical questions that come with them. It is the first Europe-wide assessment of its kind.

Why your contribution matters
Libraries across Europe face very different starting points when it comes to digital transformation. Some are running AI-powered services for users; others are still building basic digital infrastructure. Without good data, European-level support risks missing the realities on the ground.

Your responses will help the Expert Group:
  • Identify the most common barriers libraries face in adopting digital and AI technologies.
  • Map training and skills gaps, so capacity-building can be targeted where it is most needed.
  • Document responsible practices in AI use — including governance, data protection, and equity of access — so they can be shared across the sector.
  • Inform policy recommendations that EBLIDA and ELAN will present to European institutions and national library associations.
The survey is open to three groups, and the questions adapt to your role:
  • Library managers and directors — for questions on strategy, governance, budget, partnerships, and policy.
  • Library staff — for questions on day-to-day digital practice, training, tools, and user services.
  • Library users (patrons) — for a short set of questions on the digital and AI services you experience as a member of the public.
You will be asked to identify your role at the start. The survey then shows you only the questions relevant to you. It takes 5–25 minutes depending on your role.

Data protection

The ELAN policy regarding the protection of personal data fully adheres to the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016. Your answers will be processed in the context of the “ELAN” project alone and will not be shared with third parties. Data that identify you personally are not recorded by this form and your submission is anonymous. The provision of your e-mail address is voluntary. The administrator of the collected data is the Public Libraries 2030, 41, Square des Latins, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium.

Question Title

* 1. Processing of my personal data provided in this form

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