Romania: Biblionet programme promotes easier access to eGovernment services through public libraries
The purpose of the programme is to make public libraries centres of information resources and access points to eGovernment services.
The Biblionet programme is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with a total of $26.9 million (approx. €19.6 million). It was launched in 2009 and it is being run by the IREX Romania Foundation for a period of five years. So far, 795 public libraries have been equipped with 3 318 computers with public access to the Internet. Furthermore, training in IT was provided to 905 librarians.
As the public libraries that participate in Biblionet are equipped with computers, printers, scanners, projectors and Wi-Fi networks, they are already operating as hotspots and thus complement the programme of the Ministry of Communications and Information Society (MCSI) to install hotspots sites all over the country. Hence, a higher proportion of the population will have access to the Internet and to the respective information.
Following the memorandum, the MCSI will use an already existing Internet access network, therefore the country will not have to invest more in a parallel network. Moreover, given that libraries are public institutions that offer free services to communities, the digital divide between urban and rural areas will be reduced. A characteristic example of this is the Neamt county (in the northern-east part of Romania), where farmers were able to complete forms for getting grants online using the Biblionet infrastructure of the libraries.
"The MCSI will synchronise with IREX Romania and the ANBPR in the field of the informatisation of society by appointing a person to maintain permanent contact with both organisations. We will also identify financing paths from EU funds for the national libraries of Romania, as well as for associated NGOs." Minister Vreme said.
Further information:
- Official Press Release - Ministry of Communication and Information Society (in Romanian)
- Biblionet (in Romanian)
- IREX Romania
- Biblionet - Global Libraries Romania - IREX Romania
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Quelle/Source: epractice, 01.12.2010
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