Publications « Beyond Access

Why libraries are essential to Myanmar’s development plans

A team from Beyond Access had the opportunity to visit Myanmar in February. They met with government, civil society and library representatives to gain an understanding of the potential for the country's 5000 libraries to contribute to development goals.

Internet Access and Public Libraries: An Investment in Digital Inclusion and Twenty-First Century Skills

Twenty-first century development goals and initiatives demand greater efforts to leverage emerging online information resources. Despite many gains in ensuring access to ICT in developing and transitioning communities, access for all is still lagging. Only 35% of the world's population are connected to the internet. This lack of access and lack of opportunity to generate and disseminate new knowledge is preventing some of the world's poorest communities from addressing their most pressing challenges.

Empowering Women and Girls Through ICT at Libraries

Within the digital divide of access to information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries exists another gap: between boys and girls, men and women. Particularly in developing countries and rural areas, girls and women are often restricted to traditional roles, and do not have equal access to technologies and technology training.

Bringing Libraries into the ICT Policy Conversation in the Philippines

The government of the Philippines has demonstrated a commitment to inclusive growth through good governance and citizen empowerment. It joins other countries in the world in promoting the Open Government Partnership (OGP). Supporting a goal of sustained, broad-based development, the Philippines government has developed the Philippine Digital Strategy (2011-2016) as their ICT blueprint.

Open Access to Information, Development and Growth: Public Libraries in Georgia

In the first of two September Country Briefs, explores how public libraries can contribute to national-level development priorities if policy-makers engage libraries in the discussion. Public libraries have the potential to serve as a strategic partner in civic engagement, education, agriculture, and health-related initiatives.

Knowledge is Power: The Role of Libraries in Financial Inclusion

Governments and international donors have increasingly invested in financial inclusion policy initiatives and development programs over the last decade. Still, divisions exist between those with the skills and knowledge necessary to take advantage of personal or organizational finances and those without.