Bókasafnið - 01.10.2008, Page 6

BÓKASAFNIÐ 32. ÁRG. 20084
Abstract
The European Library - TEL
The European Library is a free service that offers access to
the resources of the 48 national libraries of Europe in 20
languages. Resources can be both digital and bibliographi-
cal (books, posters, maps, sound recordings, videos, etc.).
Currently The European Library gives access to 150 milli-
on entries across Europe. The amount of referenced digital
collections is constantly increasing. Quality and reliability
are guaranteed by the 48 collaborating national libraries of
Europe. The European Library is a non-commercial org-
anization. The article briefly explains the development and
purpose of The European Library, its structure, present
status and the major projects that have been completed or
are in progress. It also explains the participation in TEL
by the National and University Library of Iceland, both in
general and the TEL projects the library is part of. Finally
it describes the access provided by TEL to the various
collections in European national libraries.