Digital Library Unit

The European Parliament's Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (DG EPRS) is the in-house research centre and think tank of the EP. We provide independent, on-demand research, analysis and information to Members and staff of the European Parliament and to parliamentary committees, on all EU policy areas, legislative files and issues. In addition, EPRS produces publications for a broader readership on a wide range of policy topics, including scrutiny and oversight of EU legislation in practice. 

We comprise four directorates: the Members' Research Service, the Directorate for Impact Assessment and Foresight, the Directorate for the Library and Knowledge Services, and the Directorate for Resources. In addition, we have three 'horizontal units' - the Strategy and Innovation Unit, the Publications Management and Editorial Unit, and the Linking the Levels Unit - which collaborate with all four directorates. More than 300 staff work in the DG's 27 units and services.  

Why choose a traineeship at DG EPRS?   

'Empowering through knowledge' is the guiding principle of EPRS. As an EPRS trainee, you will be exposed to the core of the research and analysis process in the European Parliament. Surrounded by colleagues working on publications covering a wide range of EU policies, you will gain detailed knowledge of the EP's workings while honing your skills in your specific topic of interest. If you choose a traineeship in one of EPRS's library units, you will help the parliamentary community find the resources they need for their work.  You will also be part of a DG that brings the work of the EU's institutions closer to its citizens. From directly answering questions from EU citizens, to working on projects such as the interactive ‘What Europe Does for Me' website (where citizens can find out what the EU is doing for their region, or for their personal or professional interests) you will help the public learn how the EU impacts on their lives.  

More information about EPRS and a traineeship with us is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7mXXUZSq0g

https://epthinktank.eu/2021/05/31/apply-for-a-robert-schuman-traineeship-in-the-eprs/

If you choose a traineeship in the Digital Library Unit, one of EPRS's library units, you will help the parliamentary community find the resources they need for their work. You will also be part of a DG that brings the work of the EU's institutions closer to its citizens. From directly answering questions from EU citizens, to working on projects such as the interactive ‘What Europe Does for Me' website (where citizens can find out what the EU is doing for their region, or for their personal or professional interests) you will help the public learn how the EU impacts on their lives. We are a team of 16 library professionals, managing the electronic resources of the Brussels Digital Library of the European Parliament. We provide assistance to EP Members and staff with digital sources and services and contribute to horizontal activities of the EP Library (e.g. Info desk tasks, training and Info sessions). We are responsible for all financial activities, public procurement and budget management for the EP Library.  The collection managed by the Library focuses on European policies, law, international relations and politics. Apart from the books, there is a growing number of e-books (now more than 30 000 available) and online databases, media sources and specialised e-journals. Regularly, the Library's reading room is the venue for events with an academic character, organised by the European Parliamentary Research Service or by Members.

Depending on your background and interests, you would participate in a variety of library tasks:          

• Database management;
• Management of electronic resources;
• Content management;
• Intranet maintenance;
• Assistance at the Info desk.

• You have a strong interest in libraries and you are aware of the information needs of researchers;
• You have a keen interest in ICT (information and communications technology) and electronic resources management with a focus on the end-user and have strong communication skills; 
• Experience of working in a Digital Library and/or an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in librarianship or information science would be an asset.