This document discusses a collaboration between Lattelecom, a Latvian telecommunications company, and public libraries to improve digital literacy. The project provided wireless internet access and computers to over 800 libraries across Latvia. Over 2000 library staff received 140 hours of training, and 22,000 inhabitants received training on basic ICT and internet skills. Survey results found an increase in internet users from 61% in 2007 to 73% in 2011. The collaboration helped change the role of libraries to community centers providing free access to technology, information, and digital services. Partnerships with libraries are beneficial for private companies due to libraries' trusted public image and role in educating communities.

1. Strengthening Competence of
Inhabitants: Collaboration
Between Library and Business
Kerli Gabriloviča
Lattelecom Commercial Director, Member of the Board

2. 5th fastest internet
in the world
Technology leader in
the Baltic States
About 3000 high-speed
wireless Internet connection
points or 1 to 500 inhabitants
Training to residents and
businesses
2 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

3. But digital gap exists:
•between people with access to
ICT
•and people in rural regions and
with low income
Libraries – the place to access
internet for every 5th inhabitant
3 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

4. The Project in Figures
815 libraries, covering
all territory
4000 computers +
software
About
Wireless in and
2000 140hrs
near libraries
available, also
after working
Trained libraries staff training course hours
4 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

5. Project "Library Comes to its User"
Basic ICT skills
To motivate public libraries to To encourage libraries to Basic Internet skills
provide the door-to-door ICT develop their own training
training to socially marginalized programs tailored to the
groups specific needs of target E- services and e-
groups banking
Communication tools
To gain awareness of including To promote e-services
training in the library services available on the Internet Electronic services
offer provided by libraries
5 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

6. Latvia, Go Connected at Libraries!
Purpose - to educate society on wide range of opportunities provided via
Internet, digital TV and electronic communication in age of information
usage of self-service
Internet connectivity Lattelecom interactive
environment
types TV
My Lattelecom
Billing opportunities in Lattelecom digital opportunities and usage
Internet terrestrial TV of Apollo portal
Funding for transportation of mobile Every training lab received a special
computing labs were provided gift LCD TV set and TV installation
6 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

7. Win-Win Partnerships in Latvia
State Institutions Private Sector
Non-govermental
Organizations
7 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

8. “I believe that “I learned how to “Now I can find
Results
computer skills pay my bills using information about
will help me to find the Internet bank.” my health problems
a job” on the internet.”
22000
Inhabitants consulted
61%
26%
9%
Y2007 Y2009 Y2011
Non-users
38% - found the job 73% use internet
8 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

9. Changing Role of Public Libraries
Home Space Public Libraries Work Space
Brand Free Access Environment Network
Trusted, well-known To information technology, Informal, safe, Pan-European, community
cultural, education, non-threatening based
employment etc.
9 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

10. Why Partnership with Libraries?
Public image: Library – centre of social life and centre for
searching and exchanging information
High overall confidence to libraries among inhabitants
Librarians – person of trust in local communities
2nd most reliable source of information for inhabitants
Partner`s appreciation of competent librarians and the
significant role of libraries in educating society and distributing
information
Up-to-date ICT infrastructure in all public libraries
throughout the country for improving everyone`s life
ensuring access to information and e-services (815 libraries)
10 Strengthen Competence of Libraries by Collaboration with Business

11. Strengthen Competence of
Libraries by Collaboration with
Business
Kerli Gabriloviča
Lattelecom Commercial Director, Member of the Board