On 11 June 2026, staff from the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, the National Library of the Netherlands (KB NL) visited colleagues at the Kungliga Biblioteket, the National Library of Sweden (KB Sweden). Teams at the two libraries work together closely on the OPEN (Opportunity for People through Equity and Networking) project. OPEN is funded by the European Erasmus+ scheme, and aims to improve Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in libraries across Europe. Running from October 2025 until September 2028, it is an initiative of the CENL EEDI Working Group, and project partners work closely with other working group members in pursuing their shared goals.
After an introductory presentation about the CENL EEDI Working Group and the OPEN project by Rosemarie van der Veen-Oei and Susannah Bain (both KB NL), the day was structured around a series of meetings between the partner libraries on issues related to the project, common challenges, and hopes for the future. Like many libraries, the two KBs share concern about the inclusivity of their metadata and cataloguing, the need for polyvocality (representing multiple voices and perspectives), and engagement with underserved communities.
Questions surrounding metadata were the subject of a more focused meeting. The systems that libraries have inherited are often outdated, rigid and simplistic, or obscure and conceal the presence and perspectives of certain communities. One of the aims of OPEN centres on providing an overview of the state of metadata in libraries, and creating dialogue with underserved groups to improve both the metadata and the collections it describes.
Those present also discussed project communications and the Ambassadors for Diversity initiative, which will gather feedback from representatives of underserved communities to improve library metadata and collections. This is one of several concrete outputs the OPEN project will deliver for national libraries across Europe, alongside resources and initiatives such as an inclusive metadata framework, cultural awareness training, and an intercultural mentorship programme.
The programme also featured a tour of KB Sweden, including its famous Codex Gigas: one of the largest surviving medieval manuscripts, known for its iconic large illustration of a devil.
Overall, the day was productive and inspiring. It served as a powerful reminder of why the CENL EEDI Working Group’s work matters. And there is no better way to generate ideas and energy than over delicious Swedish pastries.