Workshop on open and distance learning in public libraries

A workshop on open and distance learning (ODL) in public libraries across Europe will be held at the European Commission in Luxembourg on 6 November 1995. As space is limited, participation in this workshop will be by invitation only.

The aim of the workshop is to present and discuss the findings of a study now being conducted by the University of Central Lancashire covering the following main issues:

- The role of public libraries in the EU Member States as far as ODL is concerned;
- The current and future contribution of public libraries in this area;
- Coordination of ODL in libraries with other related European programmes;
- Overall requirements for facilitating use of ODL technologies by library users including information on learning opportunities, bibliographic control, tutor support, equipment and networking options.

Key players from public libraries and the open distance learning sector will present and comment on the findings with a view to identifying concrete ways of reinforcing cooperation and technical development.

Anyone directly involved in this field and interested in participating in the workshop is invited, in the first instance, to submit a summary of his interests, contribution, or experience to the European Commission. Applications from librarians will be particularly welcome.
All correspondence concerning this workshop should be sent to:

European Commission
DG XIII - Telecommunications, information market and exploitation of research
Mr. Ian Pigott- Library networks and services
Batiment J. Monnet (C5/63)
Plateau du Kirchberg
L-2920 Luxembourg
Fax +352-4301-33530
E-mail: i.pigott@lux.dg13.cec.be