Global Libraries

Access to the Internet can change people’s lives.
The Internet provides opportunities for people to improve their lives. When people go online, they can get health information, use government services, manage finances, look for jobs, do research for school and work, and keep in touch.

For most people in developing and transitioning countries, quality Internet access is not available or affordable. There is a great inequality in the global distribution of information technology. Worldwide, approximately 5 billion people—nearly 90 percent of the world’s population—do not have an opportunity to use computers connected to the Internet.

Public libraries can offer free Internet access and computer training. Where library systems already exist, libraries can provide a central location where people can use computers, access the internet free of charge, and get guidance and training from staff members. But for many libraries, it can be difficult to get connected or stay connected to the internet. In a transitioning country like Romania, only 411 computers in all 2,933 public libraries were connected to the Internet as of 2008.

In developing and transitioning countries, most people have no way to reach the Internet on their own. Some countries may not have a library system in place. Supplying electricity may be a challenge for others. In other places there are no regional suppliers of high-speed Internet connections. Even in places that have Internet cafes and similar fee-based businesses, Internet services are often very expensive.

We’re working to narrow the digital divide in ten countries around the world.

Next: Our Approach

We're supporting efforts to supply and sustain free public access to computers and the Internet around the world. Our current partners are Chile, Mexico, Botswana, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, and Vietnam. We're funding programs that evaluate local technology needs, purchase equipment, train library staff, and help libraries build public support for long-term funding in the following ways:

Benefit from lessons learned.
Our work to provide free computers and Internet access started with public libraries in the United States and then extended internationally. We learned both in the U.S. and abroad that it is much easier to install computers and Internet connections than it is to sustain them. Libraries need long-term funding plans to keep up Internet equipment and services. That lesson informs our international strategies.

Understand local needs.
Different countries have different needs, capabilities, and priorities. We're working with our library and government partners to create programs that are sensitive to local and national conditions.

Work with committed partners.
Governments of the countries to which we provide grants must demonstrate that they are willing and able to commit resources to support libraries now and in the future.

Provide up-to-date hardware and fast Internet connections.
We fund pilot programs and grants to purchase hardware. Our partner, Microsoft, donates software if the country requests it. Each country makes a significant investment for infrastructure, librarian salaries, and Internet connections.

Train library staff to use, maintain, and introduce technology.
We fund training so that library staff are able to develop and teach computer and Internet skills, along with technical support to set up, maintain, and evaluate the effectiveness of new technology.

Encourage public support for free access to computers and the Internet.
We're working with our partners to demonstrate and communicate the benefits of providing free public access in libraries. Once a year, we also present a $1 million Access to Learning Award to recognize the innovative efforts of a library or similar organization that provides wider access to technology and strengthens communities.