By the end of 2024, 39 public libraries in Uganda had been equipped with computers and the internet and 30 more were included in the government's ICT roll-out programme for 2025 as a result of advocacy by EIFL and the National Library of Uganda.
EIFL-PLIP Manager Ramune Petuchovaite at the IGF2021 in Katowice, Poland.
THE CHALLENGE
There are more than 230,000 public libraries in developing countries. Known and trusted in their communities, staffed by trained librarians, and increasingly connected to the internet, they are uniquely positioned to change lives and build strong communities.
But this opportunity remains untapped, because in developing and transition economy countries public libraries are still mostly viewed as quiet spaces for books and study, and are not equipped with computers and the internet for public use.
The EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) helps address this challenge through advocacy to change perceptions of public libraries.
WHAT WE DO
- We collect success stories and evidence about the positive community impact of public library services supported by EIFL-PLIP, and use it to convince policymakers that public libraries can help meet local and national development needs.
- We partner with international and national organizations to advocate for the inclusion of public libraries in international and national development strategies and projects.
- We partner with international and national organizations to advocate for resourcing of public libraries with computers and the internet, so that they can expand internet access in their communities, and improve access to knowledge.
Impact assessment results proved the success of our project and this played a crucial role in ensuring support from government and other institutions. The results helped us to develop essential partnerships and to expand our project to nine more municipalities!