Global Libraries in Romania Planning Grant

Romania’s Libraries to Provide Free Internet Access and Training to the Public, Increasing Access to Information

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commits USD $1.4 million for planning and learning process

November 6, 2007

Romania is to benefit from a one year planning grant provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in an effort to determine the most effective means by which Romanian citizens may gain universal access to the Internet through the public library system.  The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) will facilitate the implementation of the project by working in five pilot counties with the representatives of public libraries, local governments and their respective communities to gain insight as to the most appropriate solutions for increasing public Internet.

“The fact that Romania was included among the beneficiary countries of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative is a clear sign that the community of Romanian libraries responded positively to the rigorous set of criteria the foundation applies when selecting the countries that are to benefit from this project,” said Adrian Iorgulescu, Minister of Culture and Religious Affairs.

“The foundation’s choice to bring information technology to Romanian public libraries, in view of granting the general public greater access to information and culture via the Internet, obliges the beneficiary institutions and communities to offer serious professional and civic commitment, at the same time requiring the local administrations to show increased responsibility in supporting the Global Libraries program. Acknowledging the fact that, for the most part, the success of this program depends on a great amount of institutional support, including the support of the central administration, the Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs offers the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation their full support in successfully implementing this project,” stated Minister Iorgulescu.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation selected Romania to participate in the Global Libraries program based on a number of criteria, including a commitment to providing information technology, a strong library system, and the leadership and commitment needed to sustain the services in the long-term.

In Romania, 80 percent of the population—most of whom live in rural areas—do not have regular access to the Internet. Many miss out on the economic and social benefits and opportunities to use government services, find employment, learn about important health or other issues, build a business online, or communicate with distant family and friends.

The foundation’s Global Libraries initiative seeks to open a world of information, knowledge, and communication to many more people by helping public libraries provide free access to computers, the Internet, and training. Microsoft, a partner to the Global Libraries Initiative, will donate its digital literacy and Unlimited Potential training curricula as well as software to the project as part of its global citizenship commitment to bring the benefits of relevant and accessible technology to the next five billion people.

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