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Social exclusion
There are 60 million people in the EU today (18% of the population) who are poor or at risk of poverty. Relative poverty varies considerably across Member States, from 8% in Denmark to 23% in Portugal. Children and young people, the elderly, the unemployed and lone parent families have a particularly high risk of poverty.

Major structural changes are taking place in society which, although positive for most people, could lead to new risks of poverty and social exclusion for particularly vulnerable groups, including: 

• changes in the labour market due to globalisation and the very rapid growth of the knowledge-based society and IST;

• demographic changes with more people living longer and falling birth rates;

• a growing trend towards ethnic, cultural and religious diversity as a result of increased international migration and mobility within the European Union;

• changes in household structures with growing rates of family break-up; 

• the de-institutionalisation of family life; 

• the changing role of men and women.

A cohesive Europe can tap the rich resources of human capital and skills which are presently underutilised and which in the EU is still widely seen as being focused on the interests of big business rather than the man or woman in the street.

Information technologies and on-line services have a wide potential for breaking down traditional barriers which exclude the most disadvantaged in society. New technologies can serve to distribute knowledge more creatively and more equally. They allow faster and easier access to public services. 

With technological development advancing, on-line services will become less dependent on PCs, allowing opportunities to attract new user groups. Mobile telephones are already much more widely used than the Internet, although take-up of WAP technology is still very low. The overwhelming need to develop plug-in modes of technology transfer from industry to local cultural heritage institutions is a key element for the future. On-line services have the potential to foster cultural identities and social integration. IST can activate the cultural potential of disabled people.

Advanced mobile communications such as 3G and digital TV may increasingly define social opportunities. It is important that new risks for exclusion of the disadvantaged (e.g. cost) are avoided. Public libraries, by giving access to their services through new channels, can help to ensure this.

Public libraries are a force for public good. They are access points are open to everybody who is in need of information to meet the challenges of his or her life. By defending and promoting democratic participation, the public library addresses especially the needs of groups with special needs and the gender perspective. By co-operating with museums and archives, for example by making available cultural heritage and family history material, they can promote social and cultural inclusion. 

Public libraries have a unique culture: they are accessible, civil and enjoyable places. They provide a unique mix of resources and services and already embody the values necessary to contribute to a socially inclusive society by being, a secure, risk-free and supportive social place that welcomes all on equal terms as well as a a gateway to knowledge and diversity and enabling forces for learning and a catalyst for changes

Digital exclusion is experienced increasingly as a real barrier for people's lives. The challenge concerns not only IT training for jobs but also very basic knowledge. Risks of digital exclusion are frequently cumulative to other forms, whilst digital opportunities can improve the quality of life for traditionally disadvantaged groups. People at risk of social exclusion and ‘technologically shy’ late-adopters, need to learn how to use the Internet.

Lack of access and training are the main barriers. But there is also resistance to the Internet: about a quarter of the EU population seems not to be aware of the possible benefits for their own lives, although this figure is much lower in countries with advanced Information Societies. The digital divide will not disappear on its own. A market-led expansion of the Information Society alone will not be enough to attract all citizens. 

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