Abstract:

EU Lifelong Learning Programme funded project “Dissemination and Exploitation via Libraries – for Success and Sustainability of LLP Results” is exploring the possibilities to enhance the co-operation between organizations involved in lifelong learning processes and libraries. Libraries as the main stakeholders of lifelong learning at general could be more involved also in the processes of dissemination and exploitation of existing liefelong learning project results.

Within the project first stage the Needs Analysis and Research was carried out to reach the following aims:
1) to identify barriers for insufficient cooperation between libraries and organizations active in LLP in dissemination and exploitation of results;
2) to identify possibilities of cooperation between libraries and lifelong learning institutions in partner countries and factors which ensure sustainability of cooperation;
3) to identify organizations (target groups, stakeholders) which could form partnerships “Libraries Plus Lifelong Learning Institutions” in partner countries;
4) to identify possibilities of dissemination and exploitation through libraries (specific mechanisms, procedures, arrangements);
5) to identify the skills of library staff to support and implement dissemination.

Needs Analysis and Research was carried out blending two approaches – quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interviews). It was realized in 5 EU countries: Greece, Serbia, Czech Republic, Latvia and Lithuania.

The results of Needs Analysis and Research clearly showed that the cooperation between lifelong learning institutions and libraries in dissemination activities is insufficient. In most cases both – lifelong learning organizations and libraries are not mutually familiar and do not completely understand each other’s nature. Lifelong learning organizations have not imagined that libraries could be the partners in dissemination. Libraries and Lifelong learning organizations should be introduced to each other in details. This could be done organizing educative and guided visits to libraries, and common round table discussions of both parties; the issues of mutual benefits of the possible cooperation should be discussed. As well Policy makers should be involved in planning and coordinating cooperation between different players in lifelong learning.

In order to enhance cooperation and dissemination activities concrete steps have been identified and were used developing model of cooperation between libraries and lifelong learning organizations.

Keywords:

Lifelong learning, dissemination.