The complexities of European funding can be off-putting for libraries who do not have the resources to spare for exhaustive information searches. These Web pages are an initiative by The Library Association to assist members in negotiating the information maze. There are many funding opportunities available within the European Union; these pages aim to list those of most relevance to the UK library and information sector.

Libraries seeking financial help should be aware that European Union funding will not always support the full costs of a project. Under some programmes, proposals may have to be submitted at specific times. Some programmes require co-operation with other European partners. Details of criteria for specific programmes are available from the contacts listed on these pages.

Case Study

Regional and Minority Languages

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions - Programme for the Universal Availability of Publications (IFLA UAP), based at the British Library, Boston Spa, Yorkshire, has been awarded a grant under a European Commission programme for measures to promote and safeguard regional and minority languages and cultures.

The objective of the project is the widest possible availability to users of published material in minority languages issued for public use, wherever and whenever they need it and in the format required. UAP aims to improve access to information on publications and to improve access to the publications themselves.

The project seeks to achieve its objective through conducting regional seminars, publishing guidelines on best practice, holding conferences and publishing the papers, conducting research for other organisations and influencing the decision-makers in the library and information world. The project aims to focus particularly on those regions, social or economic groups or ethnic minorities which do not enjoy the full benefit of maximum availability.

IFLA UAP is working with fellow UK partners at the National Library of Wales and the National Library of Scotland, and with partner organisations in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.