Not-for-profit organisation Electronic Information for Libraries (Eifl) recently announced that it has been awarded a three-year $1.4 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to spark the development of innovative public library services using technology in transitioning and developing countries. The grant is part of the foundation’s Global Libraries initiative, which is working to open the world of knowledge, information and opportunity to many more people.
Technology has transformed public libraries throughout the world, providing access to critical education materials and communication services. Yet in many developing countries where the need is great, public libraries are under resourced. The Public Library Innovation Program (plip.eifl.net) will encourage public libraries to reach out to their communities, partnering with local government, business and other organisations to assess local needs and develop new services.
Calls for proposals will be held in two rounds. The first call is designed to gather great ideas that introduce technology to meet user needs and help members of the community improve their lives. Ten of the best proposals will be awarded up to $30,000 each for a one-year project.
The second Call will test the replicability of the top ten ideas from the first Call. Participating project teams in both rounds will come together for training and to share their experience. In addition, public libraries in any developing and transitioning country will be invited to take part in a special Innovation Award that recognises outstanding achievements. All the outcomes will be widely disseminated in key publications and conferences throughout the world.
The call for proposals, which began on November 16, 2009, will close February 28, 2010. The second call for proposals and the Innovation Awards will be open to all developing and transitioning countries in spring of 2011.
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