The Colombian Government, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, launched a new project, “Use and adoption of ICT in the National Network of Public Libraries,” on Sep. 27. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be funding the project, by providing US$ 3.2 million, and will also support it by donating software developed by Microsoft. The duration of the project is two years. It will involve research, and assessment of needs, aiming to provide connectivity and new technology to public libraries in Colombia. The project will also undertake the training required to make complete and effective use of the new services.
This new project is a part of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation´s Global Libraries initiative of its Global Development Program, which aims to help people easily access knowledge bases in public libraries, using the latest technology; this would ensure individual progress, and stronger communities. The program has already proved to be beneficial in countries like Mexico, Chile, Poland, Vietnam and Romania.
The libraries help people gain access to information and knowledge, and promote reading and writing skills. As such, they play a key role in facilitating the exchange of ideas, and also help preserve culture and national heritage. Therefore, the Ministry of Culture – National Library and the Foundation realize the fact that public libraries in the country can prove to be extremely helpful in country’s social, economic and cultural development.
The project will also undertake research and assessment, to see if and how the program could be developed to include the entire country. However, the project will aim at creating a sustainable structure that could meet the requirements of the public. Pilot projects will be conducted to assess the availability of technology, and to increase its effectiveness, by providing training. These projects will also lend to create technologically advanced digital libraries.
The project will be conducted as a part of National Reading and Libraries Plan (NRLP) and the National Plan for Reading and Writing, headed by the Ministry of Culture, and the “Live Digital” Plan headed by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.
For the pilot project, 25 libraries will be selected. The National Library will be actively involved in the pilots and will be called pilot site no. 26. Moreover, in order to ensure that the project is carried out as per the guidelines of National Reading and Libraries Plan, of the Ministry of Culture and of the National Government in general, consultation will be held with stakeholders, within the library community, and other relevant sectors.
The presence of a strong public library network, the committed leadership demonstrated by the National Library, and the ongoing support for public access to technology will all contribute to the successful implementation of this project. This will improve Colombians’ lives, as we have seen happen in other programs around the world. We recognize Colombia’s leadership in development of their public libraries and we believe that our support will have a positive impact,” said Deborah Jacobs, Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative.
Mariana Gárces Córdoba, the Minister of Culture, said, “We want to create spaces where information and communication technologies are a means for participation, inclusion and an improved quality of life. That would be our ideal library and this is the idea we are pursuing and encouraging.”
Ana Roda, Director of the National Library of Colombia, remarked, “Colombia has made and continues making great efforts to reach all people with basic library services to improve reading levels and communication skills among citizens,”
