Conference Session 175

New Paths for Public Libraries in the Developing World

Beyond Access (Libraries Powering Development)

15 August 2012 11:45 - 13:45 | Room: Session Room 4

With over 230,000 of the world's public libraries in developing and transitioning countries, there should be an obvious link between institutions dedicated to access to information and local, national, and international efforts to improve the lives of citizens through access to critical information. Although some libraries have achieved success in addressing community development issues ranging from health to agriculture to economic opportunity, public libraries are often overlooked by decision makers, funders, and international agencies when allocating funding and planning development work.

This session will examine some of the linkages between public libraries and development work, and will include brief presentations by librarians who have achieved successes related to development, as well as brainstorming and discussion of ways that librarians can take advantage of existing opportunities and make decision makers more aware of the role public libraries can play.

Beyond Access is an advocacy initiative of IREX, EIFL, IFLA, Makaia, Civic Agenda, TASCHA, The Riecken Foundation, and READ Global, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Last update: 25 June 2012