Hundreds of Moldovan public libraries will benefit from a $12 million program
Chisinau, Thursday, March 27, 2014 - The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), in cooperation with the Moldovan government, launched the national phase of the Novateca program with support from Viceprime Minister Tatiana Potîng, US Ambassador William Moser, Director of the Global Libraries Initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Deborah Jacobs, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officials, as well as librarians, central and local government officials, and guests from library programs abroad.
Novateca is a five-year program designed to facilitate the transformation of Moldovan libraries into vibrant community institutions where citizens can enjoy free access to technology and services addressing local needs under the guidance of trained librarians and other community partners. Through the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in cooperation with USAID, libraries in Moldova will have the power to connect, educate, support and engage citizens through a culture of cooperation and innovation.
In support of the goals of the program, Microsoft Corp., a partner of the foundation’s Global Libraries initiative, will donate an estimated US$5.7 million in software to Moldova’s public libraries. Shared access to computing is a priority for Microsoft Moldova, which donates software to non-profits and sponsors e-skills trainings throughout Moldova.
The launch event marked the start of Novateca’s national phase as well as the introduction of the first selection process for public libraries. In the coming months, Novateca will select libraries to receive investments of information and communications technology, training and support for librarians in the development of new library services relevant to their communities, and increased engagement with the larger library development movement in Moldova and around the world. Public libraries from across Moldova were invited to apply to become Novateca network members by submitting their online application forms by April 30, 2014. Details on the selection process are available on the Novateca website (www.novateca.md).
“We are excited to launch the national phase of our program today and extend the benefits of Novateca to nearly every public library and librarian in the country that is willing and able to participate,” mentioned Evan Tracz, the Novateca Program Director. “During the pilot phase, Moldovan libraries showed their ability and eagerness to innovate and develop their communities. Extending this initiative to a national level underscores the value of libraries as platforms for Moldovan citizens to increase their economic and social opportunities through access to relevant information and services in public libraries.”
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supported IREX’s initial assessment of the Moldovan public library system in 2011 and, in cooperation with USAID, the Novateca pilot grant from 2011-2013. During the two years of the pilot, IREX selected and equipped 68 pilot libraries with more than 300 computers across 12 raions. Additionally, over 250 librarians were trained in IT skills, new library service development and delivery, advocacy and partnership development skills, laying the foundation for a national network of innovative librarians. The Novateca program also developed important partnerships with the Ministries of Culture, IT and Communications, Social Protection, Labor and Family, and the e-Government Center, as well as the National Library, the Moldovan Librarians Association, Moldtelecom, and other donor projects and Moldovan businesses. Most importantly, the pilot program witnessed the emergence of dozens of new library services, a significant increase in library visitation, and increased investments in libraries by local public authorities.
The event continued with a panel discussion with a selection of Novateca’s national partners. The Ministry of IT and Communications, the E-Government Center, Moldtelecom, the US Peace Corps, and the USAID-funded Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society project discussed their roles in library and community development how their organizations benefit from library partnerships. Each organization vowed to continue to work with libraries and develop innovative ways expand the potential of the partnerships.
For more information about Novateca please contact: Tatiana Rusu, Communications Specialist, .+373 22 22 88 37, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and fighting hunger and poverty. In the United States, it seeks to significantly improve education so that all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The Gates Foundation’s Global Libraries initiative is focused on bringing public access to information through technology in public libraries, with the belief that access to information and knowledge through new technologies changes lives and strengthens communities.
USAID: The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for 50 years. In Moldova, USAID’s assistance focuses on two areas: Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance. USAID has provided technical and humanitarian assistance to Moldova since 1992. For additional information about USAID programs in Moldova, please call USAID’s Development Outreach and Communications Office at: +373 (022) 201-843. You can also visit the USAID website at: http://moldova.usaid.gov/ or our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/USAIDMoldova.
IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $70 million and a staff of over 400 professionals worldwide. IREX employs field-tested methods and innovative uses of technologies to develop practical and locally-driven solutions with our partners in more than 100 countries.
MICROSOFT: Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Since 1997, Microsoft has donated software worth more than US$285 million to support public access computing in libraries. For more information on Microsoft’s Citizenship visit: http://www.microsoft.com/citizenship or follow us on Twitter at @msftcitizenship.