World Libraries took me on a new journey this week. Instead of focusing on what I can do in my own library, I got to learn about ways individuals and organizations are making huge differences in libraries around the world. We take for granted access to information, either in print or electronic form, but this is not the case in many countries. Thankfully, there are several great programs designed to increase access to technology and information in developing nations.

One example of a library project in a developing nation that I came across is called eGranary Digital Library. “Also known as ‘The Internet in a Box,’ [it] provides millions of digital educational resources to institutions lacking adequate internet access” (eGranary).  Instead of relying on internet connections that may be very poor or even non-existent, the eGranary “provides access to over 32 million digital resources” (eGranary) through its server. Also, once installed and “connected to wired or wireless LAN, [it] can serve thousands of patrons” (eGranary).

Here are some endorsements for the eGranary:

 

This assignment also reminded me of this article that was published a few weeks ago. Here is an article describing India’s School in the Cloud.

Another aspect of access to information we need to consider harkens back to the old adage “A little education is a dangerous thing.” To ensure that the patrons of these libraries in developing nations are having their needs fully met, a librarian needs to be there to help them access and understand information. Just like in our own libraries, patrons need to be able to assess the quality of the information they receive to make sure it is current, accurate, and vetted. We wouldn’t want farmers to start raising Tree Octopi.

Although this isn’t specifically about a library project in a developing nation, it is about literacy being supported by electronic readership. We Give Books is a website where you can read picture books online (I had a link to it in a previous post.) When you create an account, every time you read a book online, a physical copy gets donated to a program in need (either in North America or abroad).  Here is a touching story about We Give Books in Haiti.

Initiatives like this can have meaningful impact on the communities their serve. Also, showing this video to a class could lead to some interesting discussion, comparisons, or perhaps an inquiry project. There may even be an opportunity to connect with one of the programs featured on the website.

At my own school, we are fortunate to have easy access to wireless. Surrey is quite supportive of the Bring Your Own Device policy, but this does pose some problems to students at the adult learning centre. Many live at or below the poverty line and do not have devices that they can bring. In order to ensure fair, democratic access to information, devices need to be available for those who cannot bring their own. That being said, when students do access information online, it is a great way for them to demonstrate that they are engaged and are taking initiative in their own learning. Students regularly use their devices to look up definitions of words or more information on the topic of the lesson.

References

Zapato, Lyle. “About the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus.” Save the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus. Zapato Productions Intradimensional. Web. 27 February 2014.

“eGranary Digital Library.” Welcome to the WiderNet Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 February 2014.

“First School in the Cloud Takes Shape in India.” EdTechReview. N.p. 4 February 2014. Web. 27 February 2014.

“We Give Books Hope for Haiti: An Exploration of Literacy and Play.” We Give Books. Pearson Foundation. 14 January 2013. Web. 27 February 2014.

We Give Books. Pearson Foundation. 2013. Web. 27 February 2014.