EIFL’s Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) is now inviting applications for a new award – for innovative library services using information and communication technology (ICT) to contribute to open government. More and more governments are communicating online and offering e-government services. Public and community libraries are proving to be ideal spaces for helping communities take advantage of these opportunities.

Agriculture is a key area where libraries are making a difference. For example, when the Romanian government introduced an online application system for agricultural subsidies, many farmers struggled to apply. Public libraries came to the rescue, providing free access to the internet, ICT training and librarians’ information skills. In just one year, over 400 public libraries helped 17,000 farmers apply for subsidies worth a total of US$27 million.

 In addition to helping farmers, libraries provide information and ICT support in relation to a wide range of government services, for example, in education and e-health, paying taxes online, applying for identity documents and passports.

The EIFL-PLIP award, which includes a prize of US$1,500, is open to public and community libraries in developing and transition countries. The deadline for submitting applications is March 3 2013. EIFL-PLIP is accepting applications in English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Click here for details of how to apply for the new EIFL-PLIP Open Government Innovation Award.

Farmers attending webinars about government services in Klintaine Public Library (Latvia)