So long Cardiff EDC… hello European Information Hub!

Rather than a goodbye, this is a hello again! The mission of the European Information Hub will be to build on the activities delivered by the EDC thus far. A new name, the same ambition.

The EDC was established in 1973 as an information centre focusing on documents published by the European Union (EU). Over the years, its remit expanded to cover all things European and the multi-dimensional realities of the European continent, its countries and organisations. Its overall aim was to increase understanding and encourage discussion among academics, but also to bring academic knowledge closer to wider communities.

The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU led to the termination of the agreement celebrated between the European Commission and Cardiff University establishing the EDC. The Library saw it as an opportunity to re-affirm the importance of European information provision, protect the profile built by the EDC over the years, and revamp the service accordingly.

The Hub seeks to carry forward the EDC’s basic premise. We will continue to support teaching and research, recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of European affairs. We will continue to welcome external engagement and cooperation, and re-launch a regular series of public events. We will also continue to facilitate access to credible, curated content, in print and online.

The activities are underpinned by the continuing development of our online information service, European Sources Online (ESO). This platform is updated on a daily basis with newly curated online content, often put together in information guides to facilitate access to a variety of sources. Through ESO, we also make sure long-term access to credible sources is preserved.

The Hub is now part of Special Collections and Archives within the Library Service at Cardiff University. A formal launch event will be held on 9 May at 17:30, which will include the return of our annual Europe Day Quiz. Further details and a link for (free) registration will be provided very shortly. If you would like to get in touch or need help finding the information you need, contact us at EuroInfoHub@cardiff.ac.uk.