Global Libraries

Review of IREX Planning Grants 2007-2009

Romania

17 months (Oct 07-Feb 09)

12 pilot sites in 5 counties

Needs assessment / Landscape analysis

Test training approaches

Engage government

Ukraine

11 months (Nov 07-Oct 08)

Needs assessment

Organizational assessment of library association

Advocacy strategizing

Gauge government interest

Planning Grants by the Numbers

EQUIPMENT

ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT

TRAINING

POLICY

Helping libraries better serve their

communities through  training and technology

• Government support• Association building• Librarians and their communities

LESSONS LEARNED

Government support

Initial assumption: key to success is national government embraces program goals

•Commited ownership needed from national government

•The way to foster participation was through steering committees

Local government

• Immediate and direct connection to impact are local

• Local officials can serve as national advocates

• Costs are not prohibitive for local budgets

SUPPORT

Average startup costs: $4172

Internet costs: average $257/month ($25-$500)

Library Association

Networking

Systems standardization

Impact data

Training

Advocacy

Best practices

Initial assumption: IREX would help associations develop integrity and credibility

Reality: The main program challenge is building a member-driven national association

Association Challenges

Reach members

Develop professional structures

Create valuable services

Ownership

• Initial assumption: Librarians would need to be pulled into reform efforts.

• Reality: Librarians are embracing change.