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October 17, 2012
 IREX is leading a global effort called Beyond Access – Libraries Powering Development. In partnership with nine organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Beyond Access draws attention to the role public libraries can play in delivering information and advancing development. |
October 4, 2012
 What is a modern library? What role can young librarians from around Eastern Europe play to promote modern services and approaches in their libraries and beyond? At the International Young Librarians Summer Academy in Latvia this summer, nearly 45 young librarians from the European Global Libraries countries convened to share ideas, learn new technologies, and develop essential skills as advocates, teachers, and community leaders. They were joined by librarians from Botswana, Columbia, and Vietnam. |
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April 27, 2012
 Women in Katerynopil Central Raion, Ukraine are changing their lives for the better thanks to the local library. Through a grant from Bibliomist, the library hosts an emergency service for women called “Berehynia” (“Guardian”) and supports local residents suffering from family conflicts and unemployment. Domestic violence victims have become regular library users and are benefitting from online psychological counseling; community members are mastering IT skills; patrons are obtaining employment. |
April 5, 2012
 I was recently given the honor of being named Romania’s Digital Champion by Ms. Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda. The nomination is a direct reflection of the professionalism, selfless contribution, determination and heartfelt devotion of the entire staff at IREX’s Biblionet Romania program, and to all of the public librarians who work with us on a daily basis to empower Romanians by providing free access to information at the nation’s public libraries. This accomplishment is not about one person, but rather the collective efforts we have brought about to improve the lives of Romanians through access to the internet and improved library services that reflect community needs. |
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April 3, 2012
 Services for the aging population are a priority at many Romanian libraries. In difficult economic times, many seniors are struggling with reduced pensions and trying to keep in touch with family members who have moved away in search of work. In Medias, a training program called BuniNet has gone beyond its initial purpose to teach seniors basic technology skills and become a community unto itself, where its members celebrate birthdays, teach each other skills, and learn how to generate income that can supplement their retirement. |
March 16, 2012
 Citizens of Odesa are reaping the benefits of a close partnership between the library and the local branch of The Committee of Voters of Ukraine, an NGO that works to monitor elections, raise citizen awareness and educate voters. Students and journalists have learned new technology skills and reflected on important civic issues like European integration, all at the library. |
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February 24, 2012
 IREX congratulates Biblionet Program Director Paul-Andre Baran on his nomination to serve as European Union Digital Champion for Romania. In its nominating letter, the Romanian Minister of Communications and Information Society Valerian Vreme wrote, “Through his work, Mr. Baran has constantly advocated for the role of ICT in today’s society and …managed to bring a strong contribution to reducing the Digital Divide in Romania.” |
February 10, 2012
 Online banking is slowly coming to Romania, but many people continue to rely on cash. Research by the Association of Electronic Payments in Romania shows that while 85% of people in urban areas have a credit or debit card, only 56% use it two or more times per month. Rural areas have even fewer opportunities to transition to electronic banking because there are few rural branches for major banks. Libraries are serving as a platform to open possibilities to online payments and other expanded opportunities in personal finance. |
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January 11, 2012
 In Ukraine, librarians are going outside the library walls to bring their services to new audiences. Three libraries found momentum by setting up shop in shopping malls and outdoor locations, and their success is inspiring others to replicate their efforts. Tulchyn Raion Library director Vira Vihurzhynska had been contemplating new outreach activities for awhile. With grant funding, a new laptop and promotional materials Vihurzhynska immediately targeted a high-traffic spot: “I went straight to the large shopping mall to negotiate a possible location. The owner responded that their best spaces were always available for [the library] and told me to go ahead and choose a spot I liked most!” |
December 22, 2011
 One in five Ukrainians is a senior citizen, and with the aging population growing, libraries are taking action to create new opportunities for friendship, learning, and growth. In Lviv, librarians organized a program called “Golden Years” that built a community of older residents who learn IT skills and English, explore new hobbies like dancing and crafts, and develop their own initiatives. |
