Expanded Global Libraries Initiative Increases Access to Information by Helping Public Libraries Provide Free Internet Services and Training

SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced grants to three countries totaling $17.5 million to help ensure that people in Botswana, Latvia, and Lithuania have the opportunity to benefit from the latest information and training available on computers and the Internet. The grants will help each country plan for or provide free information technology services and training in public libraries and reading rooms. The grants are part of the foundation’s Global Libraries initiative, which is expected to invest $328 million over seven years to support computer and Internet access in public libraries in 12 to 15 countries.

Today 87 percent of the world’s population—five billion people—have no access to the Internet. The vast majority live in developing countries, which means that those with the greatest need often do not have the opportunity to access valuable health, education, and government information that can improve their lives. The Global Libraries initiative partners with grantee countries to address this inequity and help strengthen global development.

“Technology can help alleviate poverty by improving the way people can use government services, connect with work opportunities, grow a business, learn about health issues that affect them, and communicate with others across the world,” said Martha Choe, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative. “Everyone should have access to the benefits of the digital age, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, income level, or where they happen to live. Public libraries, with their history as centers of information and knowledge, are the ideal partner in this effort.”

The foundation has invested USD $1.1 million in Botswana to support the planning and launch of a national effort to put computers and Internet connectivity in public libraries and village reading rooms, and ensure they are useful and used over the long term. During the planning phase, Botswana will conduct a pilot in up to five sites to test assumptions and demonstrate potential. Thereafter, Botswana would be eligible for an additional grant to roll out the project across the country. The foundation investment is offered as a partnership with the Botswana government, which will also contribute financial and other kinds of support.

“Our goal is to provide equal access to information on the Internet for the majority of people in Botswana who do not have access to computers or the Internet,” said Mothusi Bruce Palai, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the agency that oversees Botswana National Library Service.  “This investment is a step forward in connecting the people of Botswana to important health and other information, which will improve their lives.”

The Republic of Latvia has received USD $16.2 million to provide all Latvian libraries with broadband Internet connections, build a wi-fi network for library users, provide approximately three computers per library to meet an anticipated high demand, and offer basic computer training for library patrons and librarians. The Latvian national government has committed $21.2 million to this project, and Microsoft Latvia has committed USD $7.9 million in software.

“This investment in public libraries reinforces our commitment to improve the lives of all Latvian citizens by giving them opportunities to access information and technology at no cost,” said Helena Demakova, the minister of culture of the Republic of Latvia.

The Republic of Lithuania has received USD $220,396 to help plan for a national effort to provide free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries. After completing this planning process, Lithuania would be eligible for an additional grant to purchase and install computer equipment and provide Internet connections. Lithuania would be required to contribute funding as well.

“Public libraries in Lithuania provide equal access to information and technology, which improves the lives of all citizens,” said Jonas Jucas, the minister of culture in Lithuania. “This project brings public libraries to the center of the information society development, a long-term key priority of Lithuania that is reflected in our cultural policy.”

Botswana, Latvia, and Lithuania were invited to participate in this first round of funding based on a number of criteria, including a national commitment to building a knowledge society and providing equal access to technology, a demonstrated need, the presence of a strong library system, and the potential for implementing and sustaining this critical service for the long term.

The foundation’s engagement with Latvia and Lithuania represents the first time it has offered grants to an Eastern European country.

Botswana was chosen as a recipient in part because it already works with the foundation through the Global Health program. The foundation hopes to build on its existing relationships, experience, and knowledge to ease the process of improving public access to computing services in Botswana, as well as to support its work in the health arena. The Botswana project is being conducted with the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships, Inc. (ACHAP), a collaboration of the Government of Botswana, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Merck Company Foundation/Merck & Co., Inc. to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in Botswana.

The foundation’s Global Libraries initiative will build on past successful collaborations. In Chile, the foundation worked with national and local government leaders to provide free access to computers, the Internet, and training in the country’s 368 public libraries. Since the project started in 2001, the percentage of public libraries with computers has increased from 10 percent to 100 percent. In 2003 alone, more than 75,000 people received technology training in their local library. In Mexico, the foundation worked with the Ministry of Culture to support free computer access in about 30 percent of the country’s 8,000 libraries.