This document discusses how libraries can be used as a resource to provide grassroots access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). It describes an international consortium supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that provides funding, training, and consulting services to support public broadband access and technology through libraries in over 30 countries. The consortium partners with organizations like the An San Suu Kyi Foundation in Burma and the Ministry of Justice in Georgia to promote technologies that respond to real priorities, are accessible, understandable, and enable innovation.

1. Libraries Powering Innovative
Development
How can libraries be used as a
resource for grassroots access to
ICTs?
Robert Cronin
Vice President, IREX
rcronin@irex.org

3. …a strange idea.

4. African Libraries Powering
Development

5. Technology isn’t innovative unless it:
Responds to real priorities
Is accessible
Is understandable
Happens

6. An international consortium supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation providing donors and government partners with:
• Financial resources – grants and matching funds
• Capacity building & Training
• Consulting services – ICT, social inclusion, and governance strategies
To support public broadband access and technology through libraries.

7. Some of our partners include:
•
•
•
•
An San Suu Kyi Foundation – Burma
Ministry of Justice – Georgia
National Library – Peru
City Government, Davao, Philippines
And member partners from more than 30 other
countries around the world including Mali, Malawi,
Kenya, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Ghana,
Ethiopia, South Africa, Namibia, and others.

8. Thank you for your time.
Contact us at anytime for support and services:
Robert Cronin
rcronin@irex.org
www.beyondaccess.net