Libraries Share Winning Strategies from Bibliomist Expansion Round

The Bibliomist – Global Libraries Ukraine project expanded support to 730 competitively selected libraries – more than tripling the 200 libraries equipped in 2010. The libraries chosen will receive computer equipment and training to offer free public internet access. For most winners, the key to success was the determination to plan everything ahead of time and have a clear vision of their goals.

In the last year, many libraries took time to prepare their proposals for the contest. Svitlana Mykolynska, director of centralized library system in Borshchiv (Ternopil oblast), believes that local governments are interested in providing investments: “They clearly see the benefit for the community.” In addition to spending about $52,000 on roof, windows and heating modernization in the Borshchiv central library, the local government provided funds for equipment, including three computers and an internet connection. Litky village library in Kyiv oblast can boast support from the private sector. A local philanthropist invested approximately $74,000 into renovation and heating, as well as purchasing furniture. With a strong foundation in place, these librarians went on to write winning proposals.

One thing the winners have in common is their concern about the readers. “Our main focus is our patrons’ needs,” says Kremenchuk Central City Library director Svitlana Nuzhna. Director of Horodnya Central Rayon Library Mariya Ovsiyenko agrees: “We are capable of anything for our patrons. Our goal is a crowded library.” The library surveyed current and potential patrons, who saw many potential uses: students will learn languages; local poets and writers will reach out to the world through blogs; and mid-career professionals will consult with their colleagues without having to travel long distances.

Staying tuned into the community needs may be simpler than it seems. According to library director Lidiya Ivanchenko from Shakhtarsk raion (Donetsk oblast), their staff concentrates on outreach and recognizing people’s needs instead of paperwork. Librarians hope to use technology to create an information hub not only for poetry or crafts circles, but even for a hunting club. As Ms. Ivanchenko says, “Librarians work for everybody and want everyone to come.”

The Bibliomist staff would like to congratulate all winners and wish them a new exciting bond with the patrons through their new technology. Meanwhile, all interested libraries have time to gear up for our next large-scale competition for support planned for the fall of 2011.

Bibliomist – Global Libraries Ukraine is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by IREX.