[5]IREX will improve access to information for citizens in Namibia [4]. Through the development of three Regional Study and Resources Centers (RSRCs), residents will have access to library and information services critical for economic growth.
The Centers will provide an array of community-focused services including e-government services, English as Second Language (ESL) labs, and access to workforce development, health, economic, finance, and agriculture information. The Centers encompass an expanded concept of the traditional public library and will serve as regional hubs for community libraries in the area. The Namibia Library Development Program (NLDP) will provide consultation to ensure that the regional centers and the broader public library network in Namibia are well-equipped, well-managed, and well-placed to change and improve the lives of citizens. This project is a partnership with the Namibian National Library and Archive Services and is funded by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia [6] through a Compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation [7].
• Improving Namibia citizens’ access to information.
• Expanding existing library services by incorporating new services that respond to community needs.
• Improving management of the RSRCs by training staff on new technologies.
• Developing partnerships to foster sustainability and improve communication with stakeholders.
In Namibia, citizens face development challenges including high rates of HIV infection, unequal distribution of resources particularly between those living in rural and urban areas, low enrollment in primary and secondary education, and high unemployment. Libraries have the potential to serve an essential role in educating citizens and providing them with the resources and community networks to reduce these inequities and enable educational achievement, economic empowerment, and overall community development. Historically, the Namibian library system has been under resourced and under staffed, severely limiting its relevance to citizens’ information needs. The Ministry of Education of Namibia, with the oversight of the Directorate of National Libraries and Archive Services and funding from an MCA Compact, is currently building three regional libraries (RSRCs) to provide resources that are targeted to the regional needs of their constituents. With the development of these regional institutions comes the need for broad based training on effective administration and program development.
• Improve Library Management: Develop policies and procedures in collaboration with the RSRC staff, including management guidelines and manuals and ensure user experience is prioritized.
• Develop Training Programs: Collaborate with local partners to conceptualize, design, and implement professional development programs for librarians based on adult-learning theories and interactive methodologies
• Integrate New Technologies: Implement an open source integrated library management software system to digitize card catalogs and modernize library services.
• Develop Strategic Plans: Develop a strategic plan with and for Namibian libraries with a focus on meeting user needs, training skilled library workers, creating inviting public spaces, measuring impact through effective Monitoring and Evaluation tools, and harnessing support from government, citizens, and other potential partnering institutions.