When searching online to learn about library projects in developing nations, I learned that libraries are essential in providing access to information and resources to help improve quality of life throughout communities and that lack of Internet access through libraries equates to less opportunity. Libraries in developing countries empower people and meet their information needs. For example, access to information through the library allows farmers to better promote their products or students to improve exam results. Libraries offer a place for people to learn and encourages literacy. It offers equal access to information for all members of the community. (World Literacy Foundation, 2020)
Image by Pixabay
A recent study by the Syracuse University School of Information Studies New York states that;
“the top countries with access to the most libraries in their vicinity are predominately in Europe, with the least amount being largely in Africa. This may come as no surprise to many who are aware of the lack of public and social structures in the developing continent, where poor literacy rates directly correlate with lack of libraries.” (The Guardian, 2013)
This statement demonstrates the important role that libraries play in developing countries where poverty and poor education are prominent. The study explains that without access to library spaces people in developing countries are less likely to overcome poverty. Read more about the study here.
Bill and Melinda Gates foundation called Global Libraries works to offer access to the Internet for people in developing countries, particularly in rural and poor communities. Their goal is to provide access to information and knowledge “to enrich lives, inform choices and prepare people for meaningful employment and contribution to their communities.” (Global Libraries, 2020)
Image by Global Libraries
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation aims to promote equality of opportunity where all people have access to online information. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
While learning about libraries in developing countries, I was particularly moved by the efforts of many individuals to provide access to information and books. It is wonderful to see people going to great lengths to bring technology and books to individuals without access. Although the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is doing incredible things for communities in remote communities, there are also many individuals who are simply doing what they can to promote literacy and knowledge in many places around the world. They help us to understand the impact that resources have on education and creating independent people.
The following video highlights many of the unique ways that books are being brought to communities.
Learn more about the elephant who helps combat illiteracy in Thailand here.
The Camel Bookmobile in Kenya. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/dec/04/davidsmith.theobserver
Luis Soriano in La Gloria Columbia delivers books by donkey. https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p063zy12/biblioburro-the-amazing-donkey-libraries-of-colombia
Raul Lemesoffès transforms weapons into a mobile library.
Artist converts old truck into book-disseminating ‘Weapon of Mass Instruction’ tank
The library Boat in Norway https://ideaexchange.org/life/idea/weird-libraries-norways-library-boat
Antonio Lacava’s The Booktruck https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190125-the-tiny-library-bringing-books-to-remote-villages
The Mobile library in Thailand https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/have-books-will-travel-japanese-womans-mobile-library-mission-thailand
Works cited
- Hamilton, Stuart. “Stamping out Poverty as Well as Books? How Libraries Can Support Development.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 12 Mar. 2013, theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2013/mar/12/libraries-power-global-development.
- Unique Mobile Libraries Around The World, video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM2FIsghhjA
- “The Power of Libraries.” WLF, 28 May 2020, worldliteracyfoundation.org/the-power-of-libraries/. https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/the-power-of-libraries/#:~:text=One%20thing%20that%20is%20noticeably,journals%2C%20and%20access%20the%20internet.
- “Global Libraries.” The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 1 Jan. 1AD, gatesfoundation.org/what-we-do/global-development/global-libraries. https://www.gatesfoundation.org/what-we-do/global-development/global-libraries
Kathleen,
I took a look at a few of the links that you have posted here, and I have to say that I love the idea of books and teachers being delivered into communities to by elephant. What an amazing job that would be. But then I saw the boat library in Norway, and that is fantastic. I would love to work on that boat for a season. This innovation just goes to show that there are no bad ideas.
Alison.
You share important information here about how organizations and individuals are working to foster literacy development. It is a bit humbling to see the challenges for and innovative solutions of librarians from around the world.
The variety of ways that books can be shared was really interesting to see. In particular, the Weapons of Mass instruction! I was not familiar with the Global Libraries’ work by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I spent some time clicking through your links and exploring further. Thank you for sharing all of the global mobile libraries!