The Mancomunitat de Catalunya (a federation of the four provincial councils of Catalonia) carried out valuable work in the fields of culture, public education, social action and in building basic infrastructure. It strengthened the role of the Institute of Catalan Studies and the Library of Catalonia. It set up a network of libraries around the country and promoted museums and archaeological research. It built and improved schools for primary education and vocational and professional training. It boosted transport and economic infrastructure by building highways and wine co-operatives, and by expanding the electricity and phone networks.