Skills Audit Survey: Help Us Map the Skills of Europe’s Libraries
Public libraries across Europe are changing. They are no longer just custodians of books and information — they are trusted community spaces where people come together to learn, connect, and participate in civic life. But are library professionals being equipped with the skills they need to play this evolving role?
That is exactly the question the BUDDIES project is setting out to answer.
More about this survey
This is an EU-wide survey, designed by BUDDIES partner PL2030, and designed to map the competencies and training needs of library staff involved in inclusive community building and participatory learning.
The BUDDIES project — co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union — brings together libraries, community workers, and civic organisations from across Europe to strengthen professional skills and develop practical resources for the sector. At the heart of the project is the conviction that the most impactful libraries are those that grow with their communities, rather than simply serving them.
To support that vision, we first need to understand where the sector stands today: what skills library professionals already have, where the gaps lie, and what kind of training and support would make the most difference.
The results of this survey will feed directly into a new European competency framework for library staff, and will shape the design of the BUDDIES training and peer-exchange programme. We are aiming for a minimum of 250 responses from across Europe — so every voice counts.
Who should take part?
The survey is open to all library staff and professionals working in public libraries across Europe — whether you are a librarian, a community engagement worker, a manager or director, or someone in another library-based role such as a community builder. You do not need to be an expert in community work to take part; we want to hear from professionals at all levels of experience.
The survey is fully anonymous. All results will be used in aggregated form only, and your data will be handled in full compliance with GDPR.
Take part in the survey before 30 April
Questions? Send an email to info@pl2030.eu or visit publiclibraries2030.eu.
