Digital Library Unit

The European Parliament's Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (DG EPRS) provides comprehensive research and analytical support to the Members of the European Parliament, its parliamentary committees and the European Parliament as a whole. The EPRS philosophy is to provide independent, objective and authoritative information. More than 300 staff work in the DG's 25 units and services.  

More information about EPRS is available here:

• https://youtu.be/sMBLKXKhOhE?si=W7_bKixnb382sEq4
• https://epthinktank.eu/about/

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.

If you choose a traineeship in the Digital Library Unit, one of EPRS's library units, you will help the parliamentary community find and access the digital 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. By directly answering questions from EU citizens or 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 their lives.

We are a team of 16 library professionals, managing the electronic resources of the Digital Library of the European Parliament in Brussels. 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 also responsible for all financial activities, public procurement and budget management of the EP Library. The collection managed by the Library focuses on European policies, law, international relations and politics. Apart from books, there is a growing number of e-books (now more than 30 000 available), 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 will participate in a variety of library tasks, such as:            

• Database management; 
• Management of electronic resources;
• Content management for information platforms (e.g. LibGuides site, intranet); 
• Assistance and face-to-face work with patrons at the Info desk.