Libraries Powering Innovative Development

How can libraries be used as a resource for grassroots access to

ICTs?

Robert Cronin Vice President, IREX rcronin@irex.org

…a strange idea.

African Libraries Powering Development

Technology isn’t innovative unless it:

Responds to real priorities

Is accessible

Is understandable

Happens

An international consortium supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation providing donors and government partners with: • Financial resources – grants and matching funds • Capacity building & Training • Consulting services – ICT, social inclusion, and governance strategies To support public broadband access and technology through libraries.

Some of our partners include:

• An San Suu Kyi Foundation – Burma

• Ministry of Justice – Georgia

• National Library – Peru

• City Government, Davao, Philippines

And member partners from more than 30 other countries around the world including Mali, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Namibia, and others.

Thank you for your time. Contact us at anytime for support and services: Robert Cronin rcronin@irex.org www.beyondaccess.net