global libraries - review of irex planning grants 2007 2009
DESCRIPTION
IREX was selected by the foundation for grants to plan the Global Libraries program in Romania and Ukraine. IREX has been administering access to information and internet programs since the early 90s, but the approach to these programs made them different from anything we’ve done before. Both started in the fall of 2007. This presentation shows lessons learned after planning phase.TRANSCRIPT
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.