24 February 2015
Novateca announces the raions selected to receive more than 1200 computers and trainings
Today the Ministry of Culture and the Novateca program announced the raions selected to join the growing network of modern libraries offering new services to their communities in Moldova. In this selection round, over 350 new public libraries will be equipped with more than 1200 computers that will offer free public access to the internet. More importantly, more than 350 librarians will receive trainings in IT and the development of new library services.
The selected raions include: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Drochia, Călărași, Cahul, Cantemir, Cimișlia, Criuleni, Dondușeni, Dubăsari, Fălești, UTA Găgăuzia, Glodeni, Hîncești, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnița, Orhei, Rîșcani, Rezina, Sîngerei, Soroca and Telenești.
Twenty-three raion libraries along with 358 villages applied to join the existing Novateca network of more than 400 libraries. Each one of the selected libraries has the support of local public administrations who understand and appreciate the unique value that a library brings to its community. The finalist raions were evaluated and selected by a committee composed of a diverse representation of Moldovan library stakeholders, and all of them met every essential condition for maintaining the equipment and providing a safe and comfortable environment for their users.
Novateca will provide training courses for raion library staff and begin delivering computer equipment in June 2015. By the end of 2015, there will be over 750 libraries in the network, a powerful first step in transforming Moldovan public libraries into responsive and essential community resources for all Moldovans. In 2014, the Novateca program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in cooperation with USAID and implemented by IREX Moldova, transitioned from a pilot to a national program. Over the next four years, Novateca's goal is to facilitate the transformation of all willing public libraries into vibrant community centers that can help improve the quality of life for citizens throughout Moldova. Novateca will continue to expand the network as more libraries become ready, and will launch the next library selection process in September 2015.
For more information about Novateca please contact: Tatiana Rusu, Communications Specialist, Mob. +373 68 76 26 20, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our www.novateca.md and www.facebook/novateca
