The PULMAN Network of Excellence is now launched under the European Commission’s research programme for a User-Friendly Information Society (DG Information Society). Europe's public libraries and cultural organisations have a vital role to play in the development of an e-Europe.  The PULMAN Network will stimulate and promote sharing of policies and practices for the digital era, in public libraries and cultural organisations which operate at local and regional level.

Initial membership of the PULMAN Network includes representatives of 26 European countries.  The PULMAN approach is inclusive and participation will be extended, in the first instance by the establishment of wider groups of activists in each country.

Activities and plans of the PULMAN Network are to:

Compile and publish DIGITAL GUIDELINES MANUALS covering all aspects of innovative public library service provision, such as support for access to culture online, lifelong learning, social inclusion, digital literacy and e-government. The Manuals will be translated into major European languages and promoted to policy makers and practitioners.

Host CONSENSUS BUILDING CONFERENCES, to promote collaboration and obtain input into the Digital Guidelines Manuals.

Encourage EUROPE-WIDE AWARENESS, COLLABORATION AND DIALOGUE on digital initiatives and best practice by identifying key national players, lobbying and communication activities and by organising national cross-sectoral events

Organise a POLICY CONFERENCE early in 2003 targeted to senior policy makers, practitioners and national representatives of public libraries, museums and archives. The agenda will be to build scenarios for future co-operation and cross-sectoral strategies.

Issue a POLICY MANIFESTO OR DECLARATION designed to drive forward future phases of collaboration and innovation in the work of local public cultural organisations.

Promote an INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AGENDA intended to disseminate the work of the PULMAN Network internationally and to extend interaction with the PULMAN Network to other parts of the World.

Sponsor TRAINING WORKSHOPS on innovative practice for public library managers, to be held in Centres of Excellence across Europe.

Publish and maintain a web-based DISTANCE LEARNING REGISTRY, to offer improved access to high quality distance learning materials for professionals working in local public libraries, museums and archives.