Council on Library and Information Resources seeks applicants for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s international library award

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
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WASHINGTON -- The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) is seeking applicants for the third annual Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award, an international award given to a library, library agency or comparable organization that has been innovative in providing free public access to information.
 
“The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation established this award to give organizations an opportunity to expand programs that provide access to information for all people,” said Deanna Marcum, president of the Council on Library and Information Resources. “We look forward to receiving applications from innovative organizations around the world.”
 
The Access to Learning Award includes a grant of up to $1 million. Applications are available at www.clir.org/fellowships/gates/gates.html. They must be postmarked by April 15, 2002, for consideration.
 
An international advisory committee of librarians and information technology experts will review applications based on efforts to make technology freely accessible to the public, train the public in using technology, educate staff on technology use and reach out to underserved communities. Only organizations outside the United States are eligible for consideration.

The award will be announced and presented at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) meeting in Glasgow in August 2002. A detailed, written case study of the award recipient’s work will be published in print and online by CLIR.
 
The Council on Library and Information Resources is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to expand access to information, however recorded and preserved, as a public good. In partnership with other organizations, CLIR helps create services that expand the concept of “library” and supports the providers and preservers of information.  Through projects, programs, and publications, CLIR works to maintain and improve access to information for generations to come both in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.clir.org.