Public libraries may help reduce digital gap in Romania, state Bill & Melinda Gates foundation officials

Social involvement

A mere 35 percent of Romanians have permanent access to the internet, shows information revealed by Biblionet program officials through a press conference held this week. However, the 2933 libraries existent locally may help improve public access to information. So far, almost 800 libraries have been fitted with 3,800 computers with public access to the internet and over 1190 librarians have been trained for the usage of the electronic resources.

“Through Biblionet, Romania redefines the role of public libraries, which are centers of their communities and socio-economic instruments in rural areas. Public libraries have a vital role in reducing the digital gap between urban and rural areas as they provide free public access to information technology,” said Sylvia Mathews Burwell (in picture), President of the Global Development Program, at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“The public library, especially in rural areas, is often the only center with computers and Internet access for communities. To the extent that government services are becoming increasingly present in the online environment and develop web platforms to involve citizens in electronic dialogue, public libraries are expanding their role in supporting communities of citizens in accessing e-government services. For those who can not afford to have internet at home or at work, access e-government services and information resources related to health, education and employment, financial and communications services is virtually nonexistent. The partnership between the authorities and public libraries to inform citizens, the lives of many people will be affected positively. “stressed Paul-Andre Baran, director of the Program in Romania Biblionet.

“The public library, especially in rural areas, is often the only center with computers and Internet access for communities. To the extent that government services are becoming increasingly present in the online environment and develop web platforms to involve citizens in electronic dialogue, public libraries are expanding their role in supporting communities of citizens in accessing e-government services. For those who can ot afford to have internet at home or at work, access e-government services and information resources related to health, education and employment, financial and communications services is virtually nonexistent. The partnership between the authorities and public libraries to inform citizens, the lives of many people will be affected positively,”stressed Paul-Andre Baran, director of the Biblionet program in Romania.

Public libraries may facilitate access to information and e-government services on a national level, reaching directly to citizens even in remote communities, stated Biblionet officials.

The list of participants in the debate also included representatives of governmental authorities, Valerian Vreme, Communications and Information Minister Vasile Timis, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and, Doina Popa, President of the Association of Public Libraries in Romania.

Biblionet is an initiative belonging to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with a total value of USD 26.9 million and will last for five years, since its starting point in 2008. Software worth USD 15 million will also be donated to the libraries selected through the program.