The European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA), through its ELAN project, announces the launch of a groundbreaking survey “The Effect of Political Environment on Libraries”.
This international survey seeks to understand how political contexts influence the daily work, decision-making, and long-term development of libraries across Europe. It is open to library professionals at all levels – from entry staff to senior management, and across all types of libraries, including public, academic, school, national, and special institutions.
The survey explores four key areas:
• daily practices – experiences with censorship, programming, and political influence;
• decision-making processes – the role of political actors in collections, staffing, and services;
• institutional policy development – alignment with international standards such as the IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Manifesto and the European Convention on Human Rights;
• political expression and workplace dignity – protections against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.
By collecting evidence from across Europe, the ELAN project aims to provide insights into how political environments affect libraries’ ability to remain democratic, inclusive, and neutral institutions. The findings will guide recommendations to uphold professional ethics, protect workplace dignity, and empower libraries to serve all communities equally.
Your voice matters! EBLIDA invites all library professionals in Europe to participate in this important survey and contribute to shaping a stronger, freer, and more resilient library sector.
