Strong Libraries Build Strong Communities : The Global Libraries Initiative in Latvia
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Latvia, a democratic and EU member state, has a robust public library system that serves as a vital access point for digital resources and information, particularly benefiting rural and low-income populations. The 'Father's Third Son' project aims to enhance library capacities and improve user engagement with ICT resources to elevate the quality of life in communities. Libraries in Latvia are seen as trusted centers of social life and information exchange, promoting cross-sector collaboration and community empowerment.
Strong Libraries Build Strong Communities : The Global Libraries Initiative in Latvia
- 2. 2 Strong Libraries Build Strong Communities The Global Libraries Initiative in Latvia Sandra Ozoliņa Deputy Director // Program Manager Culture Information Systems Centre, Latvia Public library development project «Father’s Third Son» Le rôle stratégique des bibliothèques dans l’appropriation du numérique par les citoyens en France et
- 3. 3 Latvia •The central country of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) •In North-eastern Europe, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea •In 1991 Latvia became independent from the Soviet Union •Democratic, parliamentary republic •Memberships: European Union, NATO, United Nations Organization, Council of Europe, World Trade Organization, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, etc. •Area: 64,589 sq.km or 24,937 sq. miles •Population: 2,067,887 (Riga, the capital 717,000) •Urban: 66% Rural: 32% •Ethnic composition: 59.03% Latvian, 28.29% Russian, 3.74% Belorussian, 2.53% Ukrainian, 6.41% other nationalities •Official language: Latvian
- 4. 4 Latvia is also Known for its Well Developed 5th fastest internet in the world ICT Infrastructure... Technology leader in the Baltic States About 3000 high-speed wireless Internet connection points or 1 to 500 inhabitants. 1/3 of those points are located in public libraries.
- 5. 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 5
- 6. Number of public libraries in EU 6
- 7. 7 Public libraries in Latvia 18 min 13 min 24 min 16 min
- 8. strengthening and using capacities of public libraries to facilitate better and procreative use of resources offered by free access to IT and the Internet among users with the aim to improve their quality of life 8 «Father’s Third Son» (3td project) through through strengthening and using capacities of public libraries to facilitate better and procreative use of resources offered by free access to IT and the Internet among users with the aim to improve their quality of life
- 9. Public library users % of all inhabitants 9
- 10. Internet users % of all inhabitants 10
- 11. Personal benefits % of all library internet users 11
- 12. Local community benefits % of all library internet users 12
- 13. Impact Areas 13
- 14. Annual spending on libraries per capita 14
- 15. 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)
- 16. Changing Role of Public Libraries Home Space Public Libraries Work Space Brand Trusted, well-known Environment Informal, safe, non-threatening Network Pan-European, community based Free Access To information technology, cultural, education, employment etc.
- 17. 17 Final Remarks Libraries do contribute to the DAE and EU202 goals Latvia is a very succesful example for other EU Member States Power of network Open to cross-sector collaboration Existing
- 18. Thanks for attention! See video stories on libraries and librarians in Latvia on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2sR7LyTepw Room for Everyone at the Library http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAhjpnVGraM Centre of Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXFBUP171Ic Libraries for Communities