The European Diamond Capacity Hub (EDCH) is building a sustainable, community-governed infrastructure to strengthen Diamond Open Access (OA) across Europe. In the first quarter of 2027, EDCH will launch a Libraries Pilot Programme, inviting a select group of libraries to become key partners in the co-design of the next phase of EDCH. Through collaborative workshops and consultations, participating libraries will help shape the future of EDCH's services, governance and long-term sustainability.

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of a shared European infrastructure that supports Diamond OA publishing for the benefit of the entire scholarly communication community.

About the Pilot Programme

The Libraries Pilot Programme brings together a diverse group of libraries from across Europe to participate in the co-design phase of the EDCH. Working closely with the EDCH governance and an independent consultant, participants will actively contribute to discussions on how EDCH can best support the European Diamond OA ecosystem.

The pilot programme will address questions such as (but not limited to):

• Which services should EDCH prioritise?
• How can EDCH remain financially sustainable over the long term?
• What role should libraries play in supporting Diamond OA infrastructure?
• How can governance remain transparent, community-driven and representative?

The outcomes of the consultation will directly inform the future development of EDCH.

Why EDCH?

EDCH provides the shared services, expertise and coordination needed to strengthen Diamond OA publishing across Europe. By bringing together libraries, publishers, service, tools and technology providers, National Capacity Centres and research organisations, EDCH helps reduce duplication, strengthen capacity and build sustainable support structures for Diamond OA. 

Why Libraries?

Libraries have a long history of supporting equitable and open scholarly communication. As trusted stewards of knowledge production, libraries are uniquely positioned to support and shape the future of Diamond OA and its infrastructure. The EDCH Libraries Pilot Programme creates the opportunity for libraries to go beyond advocating Diamond OA and actively participate in designing and shaping its future.

As a library partner your institution will gain:

Influence on the development of Diamond OA infrastructure

• A direct role in defining how Diamond OA services are organised at European level via the EDCH
• Input into service design, funding and strategy
• Early governance participation before structures solidify

Early access and visibility

• Position your library as a co-design partner of European Diamond OA infrastructure
• Contribute to helping national and European funders and policymakers understand Diamond OA support models

Insight into the Diamond OA landscape 

• Access to structured insights emerging from the pilot co-design process
• Shared understanding of Diamond OA needs and infrastructure gaps
• Collective identification of priorities for European-level coordination

Pilot Contribution

Participating libraries are invited to support the pilot through a one-time financial contribution of €2,000–€4,000.

These contributions will support:

• the co-design activities of the Libraries Pilot Programme
• facilitated workshops and consultations
• external expertise supporting the co-design process  and
• the development of recommendations that will inform the future evolution of EDCH.

Who Can Participate?

We are seeking to invite  a diverse group of libraries from across Europe that are committed to strengthening Diamond OA and contributing to the future of community-led scholarly publishing.

We welcome expressions of interest from:

• university and academic libraries
• national libraries
• research libraries and
• library consortia 

Express Your Interest

Applications for the Libraries Pilot Programme are now open and the deadline to express interest is November 30th.

If your institution would like to become part of the key partners shaping the future of the European Diamond Capacity Hub, we invite you to register your interest by contacting the EDCH Coordination Team today.