EU Lib Cat: the making of a Union Catalogue for the European Union Institutional Libraries

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Our annual event is held in a hybrid format, with most sessions accessible both to on-site attendees and to those joining via Zoom.

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Abstract

For over two decades, the idea of a unified catalogue for the EU's institutional libraries has been a recurring goal. Despite differing user needs, these libraries share more commonalities than differences. However, this vision remained unrealized, hindered by everyday challenges. In recent years, there has been significant progress toward collaboration, not just at the library level, where ties have always been strong, but strategically as well. Inspired by the EU’s integration model, this initiative aims to create a Union Catalogue for EU institution libraries, showcasing shared resources and enabling joint services. Through partnerships, the project seeks to ensure equitable resource access while allowing libraries to focus on their core services. This presentation examines the journey toward a unified EU library catalogue, addressing the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of this collaborative effort.

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