Beyond Access

IREX’s Beyond Access project works with local partners in eight countries to transform libraries into modern community information hubs. Learn more about our projects »

News & Impact

Expand the role of libraries in meeting community needs, especially to help communities access information, increase their literacy, or strengthen livelihoods.
Partner with local institutions, governments, and donors in eight countries to make libraries hubs for economic and social change.
Expand access to information and technology for all, including girls and women.
Mobilize local tech communities, NGOs, and institutions to respond to early literacy needs.

In Myanmar, 11,500 people have accessed the internet for the first time through Beyond Access partner libraries.
In the Philippines, Beyond Access libraries saw a 30% increase in users over last year.
In Bangladesh, 1,700 people accessed tablets in libraries for the first time in November 2015 alone.

Access to information: We partner with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to maximize existing resources and extend inclusive access to information and technology to those who need it most. With our partners in eight countries, we provide guidance, matching funds, and training to make sure everyone can participate in the 21st-century information society. We do this by working with community hubs like libraries.
Literacy: We know that everyone needs basic skills in traditional and digital literacy in order to maximize the opportunities that information access brings. Through our partnerships with governments and experts in literacy, community engagement, and technology, we work with trusted community partners to make sure everyone can build the skills they need to improve their lives. We do this by mobilizing communities to drive local support for reading and literacy outside of schools.
Employability: We help governments and the private sector connect their existing employability initiatives to the people who stand to benefit the most. At the same time, we help existing information hubs provide new services—like job training and digital skills training. Employment requires changing over time, so we work with partners who will continually reassess and adapt.