Knowledge-sharing is one of the key reasons for the existence of Telecentre-Europe. This is because they were identified by Telecentre-Europe members as the answer to the major need of telecentres across Europe and by Telecentre-Europe stakeholders as a significant driver for network development of knowledge sharing.
As a consequence, we aim at providing access both online and offline to knowledge-sharing, via  face-to-face exchange visits which highly contribute to better cooperation and interaction between member organizations.
 This programme proposes staff exchange visits to allow knowledge-sharing, with a view to strengthen network development. The visits cover a wide range of issues related to telecentres (from digital literacy local strategies to telecentre management to didactical methodologies).
Policy Context
Telecentre-Europe is an inclusive and vibrant network that increases the impact and effectiveness of telecentres throughout Europe by fostering knowledge sharing and learning amongst its members.
At Telecentre-Europe we believe we can help create relevant and scalable approaches towards achieving eInclusion for the next 292 million Europeans - i.e. all of those who lack basic ICT skills today. We believe in real partnerships, and in collaboration amongst all stakeholders interested or involved with the e-Inclusion agenda.
Telecentres are publicly accessible places where people can get help to access computers, the internet and other digital technologies that enable them to gather information, create, learn, and communicate with others.
Telecentres help people develop essential 21st-century digital skills enabling them to find better employment opportunities, to participate meaningfully into society or to improve and transform their lives. Typically they are Public Libraries, Education Centres and Voluntary or Community Organisations. Telecentres promote eInclusion, serving a broad clientele, including the elderly, disabled and immigrant or other challenged communities.
 The staff exchange programme is just one of the many benefits of the Telecentre-Europe members that enhance collaboration inside the network and telecentre capacity building.
Description of target users and groups
The programme is directly targeted to operators and managers of European telecentres (including libraries and  Public Information Access Points (PIAPs).
The end-users are represented by the telecentre "clients" -Â between 20Â and 30 thousand digitally and socially excluded people / year.Â
Description of the way to implement the initiative
Telecentre-Europe opened in 2009 a staff exchange programme for its members (individual telecentre and networks of telecentres). Through this programme, members were encouraged to apply for a 1000 Euro grant that would cover expenses of a study visit to an organization from another European country.
Guidelines, application forms and award criteria were created and shared with members. The 15 successful applicants were selected based on the relevance and quality of the applications submitted to the Telecentre-Europe Steering Committee. They wrere encouraged to disseminate the results of the visits on our online social community at http://telecentreeurope.ning.com so others could learn from their experiences as well.
The third round of staff exchanges will be launched by the end of 2010.Â
Main results, benefits and impacts
Shared Learning Process - Networking Forum
The exchange visits provided an opportunity for open discussion of current practices in telecentres across Europe. Each telecentre and country has its own culture unique to itself; therefore, practices from setting to setting are different in a variety of ways. The processes of exchange visits were intended to create an open environment for sharing best practice ideas and work-team processes.
Reviewed and shared current work practices and processes
Telecentre-Europe Steering Committee strongly encouraged the exchange of telecentre workers to look at identifying similar successful practices across telecentres in Europe with a focus on telecentre management, local/national communication systems and networks. The objective was focused on the overall quality improvement of the day to day management of a telecentre.
Self assessment/peer support of telecentre work
A primary objective of the exchange visits was to encourage each telecentre to continually re-evaluate activities, projects, communication and outreach to community members.
Started Developing a Data Feedback system
Another important component of the exchange visits was the ability to provide feedback of data that can be used to improve telecentre operations in general. These exchange visits offered wide dissemination of information from the community setting, thus creating an ownership in the improvement process.
Outcome
- 15 staff exchange visits were organized during 2009
- 25 organizations (telecentres, libraries or PIAPs) were involved in exchanges throughout 2009
- At least 50 telecentre operators shared knowledge during exchanges.
- At least 3 new cross-border projects were initiated follow the exchange visits.
Lessons learnt
- Identyfing the best match
Before taking a study visit, you should perform a thorough research and identify the best host for your visit, the one that is most relevant to your needs and expectations. - Go for the information you really need
Often in a study visit the time is limited, so you really need to focus on getting the information you need. Use the face-to-face opportunity to talk through what you think is important. - Follow-up
Keep in touch after the visit is completed. Keep the connection active and look for common projects or activities.