Erasmus+ KA2
The project aims to promote digitalization among adult citizens, especially those in vulnerable situations, by utilizing libraries as a resource. There is an identified need within our communities to establish local points of reference for citizens and to spread digital culture among them. By acquiring digital tools while learning how to best promote digital skills and readiness, these institutions could serve as reference points for educating and promoting the use of digital technologies. They would also provide access for individuals without digital resources to participate— a fundamental democratic right in today’s digitalized society and thereby strengthening democratic participation.
The implementation of this project has been particularly impactful for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and immigrants, who often face barriers to accessing digital information for various reasons.
To meet the overall aim of the project, three specific objectives have been identified as follows:
The project involved five activities, which have been carried out over a 20-month period.
The activities included:
For these objectives the expected results that have been achieved thanks to the project activities and collaboration are:
The DIGILIBRA project (Digital Skills Empowerment in Libraries), funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, is proud to present its Booklet of Good Practices for the Critical Use of Digital Resources through Libraries — the result of a two-year collaboration between Motala Municipality (Sweden) and the Biblioteca Classense of Ravenna Municipality (Italy).
As access to information, public services, and learning opportunities moves increasingly online, those who lack digital competence — and have no one to turn to for support — risk becoming digitally excluded. DIGILIBRA was developed to address this challenge, harnessing libraries as a resource to strengthen digital skills among adult citizens, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as migrant families and elderly people.
The Booklet collects eleven good practices tested directly with these target groups. After collecting and sharing practices during the project’s early phases, partners put them to the test under a crucial principle: each partner tested the practices developed by the other, with Italian librarians trialling the Swedish practices and vice versa. Using a shared testing methodology and a common observation form, librarians monitored each activity with real users, identifying which approaches genuinely responded to the digital learning needs of elderly and migrant participants.
This testing phase was decisive, allowing partners to verify whether the practices truly fit their intended audiences and to refine them through direct, hands-on experience. The result is a practical, learning-by-doing resource — from Digital Family Days and Digital First Aid services to fake news workshops and traveling exhibitions, each practice is presented with guidance on preparation, implementation, the role of library staff, impact, and replicability, alongside commonly agreed indicators and tips for correct implementation.
Designed to be adaptable, low-cost, and transferable, these practices aim to inspire libraries across Europe to expand their digital services and help build a more inclusive digital society.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.