Bibnet

Challenges for libraries in a digital age are larger than local public libraries can handle on their own. In order to create a cohesive, efficient and technologically up to date answer to those challenges, the Flemish government founded a new organisation, Bibnet. Bibnet’s task will be to develop infrastructure and services for the public, keep up with emerging technologies and build expertise in and collaborate with local libraries. Bibnet wants to empower local libraries and give them tools to reach out to the public in new media and social networks. Bibnet’s focal point is the searchability, linkability and enrichment of the metadata of both digital and physical collections in Flemish public libraries. Bibnet’s mission is firmly rooted in the social and cultural value of the public library and its future roles in society.