COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 25 July 1996

on electronic publishing and libraries

(96/C 242/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Aware of the influence exerted by technological changes and developments on the world of learning and knowledge,

Bearing in mind that libraries represent one of the main bases for present-day innovation and progress and that there is a need to enhance the wealth of resources and the heritage they encompass, particularly by means of new systems and digital networks,

Whereas, in order for full advantage to be taken of Europe's wealth of cultural resources in the information society, libraries will have an increasingly active role to play in society, as a prime interface between the world of knowledge and the world of new technology,

Whereas the dissemination of electronic documents over networks should enable libraries to step up their action in the service of readier access to knowledge and culture,

Bearing in mind that, as part of an overall strategy to promote reading, the rapid expansion of electronic publishing should also be coupled with promotion of printed books,

Aware that the use of new electronic services and products depends on a solution to many legal and technical issues and that greater Europe-wide cooperation between interested parties is essential for that purpose,

Whereas work is under way within the European institutions, as well as in the Group of seven most industrialized countries, on the information society and in particular on electronic libraries,

Whereas it is necessary to respect cultural and linguistic diversity throughout the Community,

Having regard to the Council Resolution of 4 April 1995 on culture and the multimedia (1),

Having regard to the final document emerging from the meeting of Directors-General for books and libraries, held in Rome on 22 and 23 March 1996,

CALLS UPON the Commission to:

- look into, with the help of experts from the Member States in the group set up following the Resolution of 4 April 1995 on culture and the multimedia, the various legal, technical and cultural aspects of electronic documents, from their creation to their utilization, as well as the fresh cultural and social challenges to be met by libraries, especially public libraries, in the new economic and technological environment, with particular emphasis on innovation and development of technical standards. The group will make a compilation of existing national, Community and international trial schemes and programmes, which it may use as a basis for any further work,

- submit a progress report on work to the Council by the end of June 1997.

(1) OJ No C 247, 23. 9. 1995, p. 1.