Implementing the Council of Europe recommendation on Library Legislation and Policy
July 29, 2025 by Giuseppe Vitiello

Questionnaire results in TELL countries
The Erasmus-funded TELL project conducted a comprehensive survey in May 2025, reaching approximately 1,000 libraries across six European countries. This initiative aimed to gather crucial insights into how libraries are currently implementing the Council of Europe Recommendation on Library Legislation and Policy. The survey specifically focused on key areas such as the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, existing legal frameworks, policy development, public access, and digital services.
The data collected from this survey will serve several vital purposes:
- Provide feedback for the TELL Guide, which supports the implementation of the Council of Europe Recommendation on Library Legislation and Policy.
- Inform the curriculum for the upcoming Winter Schools scheduled for 2026 in Thessaloniki and Osijek.
- Highlight best practices in the implementation of the Council of Europe Recommendation.
European libraries are increasingly evolving beyond their traditional roles to become dynamic centers for democratic participation and community engagement. They are actively fostering civic dialogue and demonstrating a significant awareness of the Agenda 2030. However, several major challenges persist. These include a lack of awareness regarding external frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights, insufficient staff training for civic engagement and sustainable development initiatives, and limited funding
