1. Dutch Experience in providing EU information in public libraries Marian Koren Netherlands Public Library Association koren@debibliotheken.nl and Polly Rademaker Europe Direct, Public Library Almere Zagreb, Croatia, 2007

2. Netherlands Public Library Association www.debibliotheken.nl/english www.debibliotheken.nl/english Association: all public libraries are members National Public Library Institute: innovation, quality, network, ict, reading promotion Experts groups: Children’s and Youth; Europe; Mobile libraries; Research

3. Development in the Netherlands 12 IPE’s established in 1996 situated in and performed by public libraries division and specialisation of subjects related to the public library network coordination by NPLA, Netherlands public library association Public library network  1115 public libraries  1800 mobile stops  4,3 mln members  140 mln loans

4. Europe Direct in The Netherlands Network of 13 service points Europe Direct Based on 12 former Info points in public libraries and 4 Carrefours Agreements for 4 years and annual contracts as of 1st of April 2005 General website, Al@din service, Europe dossiers Professional group related to the Association for common promotion, representation, library campaigns

5. Information about Europe in public libraries in the Netherlands Why Information about Europe in Public Libraries? Access to information Public Information service Similar to other government information Supporting citizenship Participating in society New opportunities: work, education, travel- cultural exchange

6. Info-service about Europe European citizenship Europe

7. The Netherlands Information Relays of the European Union - Europe Points connected to Public Library Network Visitors in public libraries having a Service Point 8.621.000 National information campaign through 1115 public libraries Europa-binder with leaflets in all libraries National library campaigns on Euro, elections Enlargement, etc.

8. Network national co-ordination – Coordinated Working Group – Europe Direct Meeting twice a year Annual Working Plan, –Division of Tasks, co-operation –National information distribution system Special projects Discussion-list: Info-Europa-L national training information markets outreach activities

9. Promotion of the Network 1-3 articles a year in Public Library Journal Announcements through digital newsletter Europe dossiers at national library portal-NPLA Connected to regional websites Local/Regional library contacts Regional contacts with EDC’s National contacts with ‘European’ organisations

10. Europe Direct website Netherlands

11. A variety of materials

12. Quizzes and games as introduction to Europe

13. Campaign on Enlargement and Bulletin Board

14. searching in www.europedirect.nlwww.europedirect.nl Ask a librarian: Al@din

16. Library portal Bibliotheek.nl and digital reference service Al@din Information desk on the internet Answering questions Knowledge data base Domain specialization: Europe Solving queries together Promotion in co- operation

17. Reference service for students and learners about Europe Cooperation in regional reference teams Al@din: personal reference at www.bibliotheek.nlwww.bibliotheek.nl 3329 visits; 903 queries a day Increase in queries from children and young people 48% for school, studies 39% for personal interest

18. Youth’s Right to information –freedom of expression –access to information –information about rights Students European Citizens Intergenerational Programmes Qualified services

19. Offer to youth organisatons : Europe Direct offers: Public Relations, website, local websites, digital newsletters, distribution of press releases; contacts with educational institutions Meeting rooms for sessions, competitions, presentations. Distribution of leaflets and other materials Support for activities; questions & answers

21. Co-operation of 4 national services related to youth and Europe Network of IPEs and regional Youth Information Points Website: www.go- europe.nl Common Training Newsletter

22. Promotional campaigns A new leaflet on Europe Direct Services in the Nederlands

23. Wheel of Fortune, Quiz

24. Organising (travelling) debates

25. Service desk