Become a Beyond Access Member

Beyond Access Membership Application

Join a global community of public library innovators aiming to change outdated perceptions of what libraries can do. This application to become a Beyond Access Member is intended for public library innovators in developing and transitioning countries who are interested in participating in an initiative to showcase how libraries are contributing to development goals and learning from other leaders in the field. Beyond Access is seeking library workers who are partnering with governments and development organizations to meet community needs in education, health, agriculture, economic opportunity, and civic participation. Applicants who demonstrate an existing focus on community development, and who can make a commitment to active participation are encouraged to apply. Beyond Access Members will:

• Participate in a multi-day event and international conference with their three-person team
• Complete in Beyond Access member-only competitions for small grants and travel scholarships throughout the upcoming year
• Participate in a series of discussions and events leading up to and following the conference
• Receive support and expertise in expanding partnerships with governments, development organizations, and other community stakeholders

Who is eligible? Those working on library activities addressing development goals from low, lower-middle or upper-middle incoming countries as classified by the World Bank here, including:

• Library workers
• Representatives of an NGO actively working on a project in partnership with a library or libraries
• Representatives of local government actively pursuing development goals in partnership with a library or libraries

Deadline. Applications will be accepted until April 22, 2013. Limited spots are available- apply early!

Which Beyond Access 2013 conference do you plan to attend?*
Please select the conference that is located closest to the community in which you work.
Library/Organization Name: *
If this application is on behalf of more than one organization, please list them here.
Library/Organization Website (if any):*
Organizational Overview*
Briefly describe your organization’s services and activities
Library Vision*
What is your vision for the role of libraries in meeting your community’s or country’s challenges? What knowledge, skills, resources, or assistance do you hope to gain from the Beyond Access community?
Initiative Overview*
Briefly describe your existing initiative(s) and how it meets your community’s development needs (include links to relevant case studies or additional information if applicable).
Expertise*
Please describe any expertise, approaches, methodologies, case studies, or successful partnerships you would like to offer the Beyond Access community.
Partners*
Please describe any partner organizations and how they are participating in your initiative.
Potential for Scaling*
What do you think are the possibilities for scaling your initiative beyond your library? Are there existing government or donor programs in the same field? Is there government funding available?
Team Members (Librarian)*
Propose a local librarian or library staff person who serves the library’s initiative. Please include a name, position title, email address, short professional biography and short explanation of the activities the librarian does for the initiative.
Team Members (Government Representative):*
Propose a government representative who is an engaged partner with your library initiative, preferably at the national level. For example, this could be a government or ministry official who is interested in information access issues, looking for new forms of community outreach, or affiliated with the area of your initiative (for example, health, education, agriculture, economy). Please include a name, position title, affiliation, email address, short professional biography and short explanation of why you chose this person. Note: If your library has not worked with government officials in the past, this is a good opportunity to establish contact, introduce them to your library and identify ways to collaborate in the future.
Team Members (Community Partner):*
Propose a representative from the community who supports and is engaged in the library's initiative, preferably from a community organization that partners with the library on the initiative. This person may be a business leader, an educator, a health worker, or agricultural specialist, depending on the nature of your initiative. Please include a name, position title, affiliation, email address, short professional biography and short explanation of what the partner is doing to support the initiative.
Signature of Authorized Person*
Please have an authorized representative from your organization sign this application
Date*
Email*
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