Session: Do Policymakers Understand the Role of Libraries in Mobilising the Internet as a Catalyst for Development, Innovation and Freedom?

Concise Description:
This workshop will discuss the findings of a recent study of perceptions of public libraries by policy makers in 6 countries in Africa. The study reveals that policy makers still think of libraries in terms of printed media, and not as spaces for catalysing internet access and use. Yet there is substantial evidence that innovative and ICT enabled public library services contribute to development. Case studies will be presented to demonstrate how some developing countries have made use of
ICTs in libraries to mobilise the internet for development. The workshop will be interactive and engage participants in helping to identify mechanisms that can convince policy makers to recognise the potential of internet in libraries to strengthen access and diversity.