The effect of EU membership on libraries in Malta

Abstract

Within a few months Malta could become a member state within the European Union. This means that Malta must have standards accepted by the EU. In the case of Libraries, Malta should have these standards in place. In order to acquire them, the European Union can offer help to new and established member states in terms of funds and programmes. In my thesis which is divided in four chapters, I gave a general view of the policies and programmes the EU has towards its libraries. In the second chapter I mentioned five member states from various regions in the EU in which I stated their policy development and also their current situation. In chapter three I gave a detailed view about the current situation regarding the Maltese Libraries. In the last chapter I presented a comparative analyses of the Maltese Libraries within the EU standards. In terms of methodology a qualitative research approach was undertaken; that is, document analysis and interviews.