EIFL-PLIP invites public libraries in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda to apply for grants
EIFL’s Public Library Innovation Programme (PLIP) invites public and community libraries in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda to apply for grants to use information and communication technology (ICT) to extend their services to improve lives in their communities.
Grant maximum: US$15,000
Implementation period: 12 months
Application deadline: January 31, 2012
Implementation period: 12 months
Application deadline: January 31, 2012
The grants aim to inspire libraries to design and implement services that meet community needs in five crucial development areas:
- Agriculture
- Improving people’s employment prospects
- Health
- Vulnerable children and youth at risk
- Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Libraries may apply in partnership with other organizations that use ICT for community development.
The grant invitation takes on board findings of a six-country study into perceptions of public libraries in Africa, which found that the general public, librarians, and local and national government officials believe libraries can – and should – contribute to community development. However, the study also found that most libraries lack the resources – especially the technology and technological competencies – they need to provide relevant community services.
This grant invitation builds on previous EIFL-PLIP work, which demonstrates that with limited additional support, libraries in developing and transition countries can successfully implement community information services using ICT. New grant applicants are encouraged to study the work of EIFL-PLIP grantees, and of other libraries and information service providers, and to replicate successful models, best practices and ideas.
The grant invitation takes on board findings of a six-country study into perceptions of public libraries in Africa, which found that the general public, librarians, and local and national government officials believe libraries can – and should – contribute to community development. However, the study also found that most libraries lack the resources – especially the technology and technological competencies – they need to provide relevant community services.
EIFL-PLIP aims to help libraries realize their potential by supporting them to use ICT to develop vital information services focused on community needs.
This grant invitation builds on previous EIFL-PLIP work, which demonstrates that with limited additional support, libraries in developing and transition countries can successfully implement community information services using ICT. New grant applicants are encouraged to study the work of EIFL-PLIP grantees, and of other libraries and information service providers, and to replicate successful models, best practices and ideas.
