The provision of European information to the academic community in university libraries: a case study of a European Documentation Centre Available to Purchase

Details the results of a study of the provision of European information to the academic community in university libraries, via a case study in a European Documentation Centre (EDC). A literature search revealed a lack of research in this area. Results relate to the operation of the EDC, covering the services offered, the provision of information, finance and funding, marketing, challenges and the nature of communication with the Commission and other networks and relays. The needs of the academic community of users of the EDC are discussed, considering aspects such as the service’s target user profile, the nature, frequency and subject coverage of use, enquiries received and users’ satisfaction with the results of enquiries. Major challenges facing the case EDC are identified as: the need to improve marketing; and the impact of likely future changes, such as the reduction in materials provided by the European Commission free of charge, the focus on the EDC as a deposit collection rather than an information service and the move to a greater dependence on electronic media in the publication of European documentation.