CHILIAS – Children in Libraries: improving multimedia virtual library access and information skills

Project Coordinator and Partners

CHILIAS was a project of the European Commission within the framework of the Telematics Applications Programme 1994 -1998 - Telematics for Libraries.

The coordinator of project was Stuttgart City Library in Germany.

Other project partners included:

Finland:

• City of Vantaa - Vantaa City Library
• University of Helsinki - Vantaa Institute for Continuing Education - Information Technology Centre for Schools, Finland
• Association of Finnish Local Authorities -Education, Cultural Services and Leisure Activities Unit, FinlandAkateeminen Tietopalvelu ATP Oy, Finland
• University Turku - Department of Education -Centre for Learning Research

Germany

• Ravensburger Interactive Media GmbH

Greece:

• Hellenic American Educational Foundation - Athens College Library
• Costeas Gitonas School Ltd

Great Britain:

• Borough Council of Gateshead - -Libraries and Arts Service,
• University of Sunderland Information Services

Spain:

• Diputació de Barcelona - Servei de Biblioteques

Portugal:

• Instituto superior de Estatistica e Gestão de Informação (ISEGI)
• Universidade Nova de Lisboa,

Background

The Internet and multimedia gives children new ways of searching information and learning but require a high level of information-seeking skills. The project centered on the idea of European children's libraries providing a stimulating environment for innovative learning and creative use of multimedia.

Core Objectives

The project main aim was to strengthen the information competence of children using interactive multimedia and communication systems to improve their information seeking skills in new learning environments. 

Details

The project was implemented through a web site named InfoPlanet , containing:

• A Virtual Library module ;
• Storybuilder  - an interactive application for creative input from children;
• Guestbook  - a structured discussion and feedback tool for use by children;
• Infoton  - an information skills tool.

InfoPlanet was developed in six languages, one for each of the participating countries. 

Results

Project results included:

• creation of virtual children's libraries of multimedia materials, established in different countries;
• integration of communications and media creation applications;
• a prototype and demonstrator of tools for different information skills;
• evaluations of usage of the tools and applications by children, teachers and librarians.