European Documentation Centres in Recent Financial Crisis: Good Practices and Lessons Learned

Abstract

The mission of the European Documentation Centres (EDCs) is one of involvement and contribution in European integration and cooperation through liaising with the academic community and communicating with the public, at the regional and local level. In this context, the EDCs serve as a reference point for obtaining information and expertise about EU integration, institutions, activities and policies in all EU member states. They collect and develop resources as EU local libraries on-site, and archive electronic documents. They also provide targeted coaching and training courses on the European databases and resources, and provide consultation sessions with the public on relevant topics. Usually, EDCs work closely and develop cooperative tools as national networks. They also establish synergies and organize activities with the Europe Direct Information Centres (EDICs) and Team Europe scientists, as members of the wider Europe Direct network, helping the local community to connect with the different dimensions of the EU. In Greece, most of the EDCs created in the 90’s, in order to support the establishment and functioning of the European single market. They are predominantly located at Universities and research institutes, working at a department in their libraries. During the recent financial crisis, Greek EDCs, as well as Centres in other countries, have worked in a profound and demanding way in order to support their target audience and act as European information relays, regarding especially economic and financial information. This paper examines the services and information tools offered by EDCs during the years of crisis, the actions and initiatives undertaken, the synergies developed and the strategy followed. Special emphasis is given to best practices and lessons learned. This research is based on the findings of a related questionnaire, which is distributed to EDCs in countries of European South, such as Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, etc. In this framework, the paper aims at highlighting the added value of EDCs’ input as an official EU information network.