LIBE 477- Inquiry Blog Post 4- Developing World Libraries

 Inquiry post 4: Developing World Libraries  

While exploring this topic I explored how libraries were being supported in developing countries. Of course, there is a range of levels of development before you reach the development level of a country like Canada. I mainly focused on very high needs countries with a lower developmental level, such as in Africa. 

 

How 

While looking for information on this topic I came across an article called, “Library Aid to Developing Countries in Times of Globalization”, (Curry, et al., 2002). This article talked about how aid to developing libraries can have different focuses, such as children’s literature, academic resources, (especially in medical sciences like texts and journals), school texts, cultural preservation focused material and archives, or resources that might result in economic benefit.  

There was also commentary on the kinds of donations, such as surplus from publishing houses, unwanted material from book drives, or library resources provided with some input from the receiving libraries as to what material would meet the needs of their population the most. Ideally input from the library the resources would be donated to would provide the most effective books for the population’s needs. 

For example, the University of Calgary had an Overseas Library Committee for a number of years, (until it was cancelled in the 90's due to funding cuts), with volunteers who would ask the countries the books would be sent to what they would like from a list of available inventory, then pack it up and send it, (Curry, et al., 2002). 

With countries that have oral storytelling traditions, such as in Africa, there would also be a need to use multimedia resources such as audiotapes, prints and film to appeal to the population instead of only print resources, (Curry, et.al., 2002). 

Mobile devices and digital technology are becoming increasingly important as well, however, development in this area depends on funding and the amount of support available to provide infrastructure and training. Some high needs libraries are solely print based, whereas others are developing the use of computers and mobile devices to enhance their libraries. This can also be affected by the target population, such as a children's library compared to a university library. 

 

Agencies and Projects 

There are a number of agencies that provide books and resources to libraries and schools in developing countries, such as UNESCO, (united nations educational, scientific, and cultural organization), IBBY, (international board on books for young people), IASL, (international association of school librarianship), CODE, (Canadian organization for development through education), IFLA, (international federation of library associations), and librarians without borders, to name a few. 

Some of the projects that caught my eye included developing print and digital resources, and raising awareness. The IFLA is very active in numerous ways. They have been involved in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, and how libraries are directly involved in helping achieve this agenda, (IFLA, 2022). 

 

 IFLA has also worked to establish ICDL, (international children’s digital literacy foundation), to create a library “for the world’s children” that is free and available in multiple languages and appropriate for multiple cultures and age groups, (Weeks, 2007). 

 

IBBY has been active in helping create print library access in countries with lower development, such as in El Salvador. This video shows the opening of the "Library of Dreams" and the print resources they are using.

 

This organization also promotes the use of “bibliotherapy”, the “therapeutic use of books and storytelling....for children whose lives have been disrupted by war, civil disorder, or natural disasters”, (Ibby, 2021). I love this concept, and IBBY also works in collaboration with other agencies for various projects, such as with UNESCO to rebuild libraries after an explosion in Beirut, and working with ASCHIANA in Afghanistan to provide mobile libraries for displaced persons in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-E-Sharif.  

My last example of a project that moved me was from Libraries Without Borders, working with the UN Commissioner for Refugees to create centres that would be supplied with “Idea Boxes”. Displaced people in refugee camps could then access material, which included physical and digital books, computers and tablets, and was available in multiple languages and covered multiple subjects, including school subjects.  

 

 

Challenges 

To keep moving forward helping libraries in developing countries curate both print and digital collections and devices, there have been obstacles to overcome, some that are still being faced as discussed in the article by Curry et. al., (2002). In some countries there are issues working with governments with different agendas, for example, economic development vrs literacy skills, and funds can be mishandled or organized inefficiently. With print resources there is the issue of language and relevance to the local population, and access to indigenous material for the libraries as opposed to books with foreign culture and content. There is the common issue of funding, for print materials, digital resources, infrastructure and support for maintenance of new systems, and training on how to use them. Commitments to development need to be long term, but usually don’t last more than 3 years. There needs to be consideration of what support is given and how to prevent cultural and economic dependency, and promoting local publishing is a way to prevent that dependency.

With the prevalence of mobile devices such as smartphones, however, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel as more people are able to access free online literacy materials. This CODE podcast transcript with Genevieve Spicer and Elieshi Lema discusses the use of cell phones to read digital books, the increased affordability, sustainability, and easy access to online reading resources opening the door to more socially relevant books, and indigenous works to preserve culture and promote literacy.

 

 https://code.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Book-Publishing-in-Tanzania-Podcast_Transcript.pdf

 

Work Cited 

 

1. Dr. Curry, Ann, T. Theissen, and L. Kelley. (2002). Library Aid to Developing Countries in Times of Globalization: A Literature Review. Retrieved from https://worldlibraries.dom.edu/index.php/worldlib/article/view/381/337 

 

2. IFLA. (2020) Access and Opportunity for All: How Libraries Contribute to United Nations 2030 Agenda. Retrieved from https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/hq/topics/libraries-development/documents/access-and-opportunity-for-all.pdf 

 

3. IBBY. (2021). Children in Crisis Fund. Retrieved from https://www.ibby.org/awards-activities/ibby-children-in-crisis-fund 

4. IBBY. (2017). First Year of Library of Dreams-Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcHErCROPzY&t=7s

5. IBBY. (2013). Afghanistan: Mobile Libraries. Retrieved from https://www.ibby.org/awards-activities/ibby-children-in-crisis-fund/afghanistan-mobile-libraries

 

6. Librarians Without Borders. (2022). In Lebanon Idea Box Kits are Safe Spaces for Residents. Retrieved from https://www.librarieswithoutborders.org/2022/01/05/in-lebanon-ideas-box-kits-are-safe-spaces-for-residents/ 

 

7. Idea Box Kit picture. (2022). Retrieved from https://ca.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=Awr4xLADQiBiIdAAtTXrFAx.;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=idea+boxes+librarians+without+borders&fr2=piv-web&type=E210CA885G91650&fr=mcafee#id=0&iurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.org%2Fassets%2Fstatic%2Fimages%2Fgrantees%2Flibraries-without-borders%2Flibraries-without-borders-gallery-3-2x-affdeb25e2217435408e1a5c1eaf0b99.jpg&action=click 

 

8. CODE. (2022). Accessing Locally Authored Books podcast transcript. Retrieved from https://code.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Book-Publishing-in-Tanzania-Podcast_Transcript.pdf 

 

9. Weeks, Dr. Ann Carlson. (2007). The International Children’s Digital Library-Using Technology to Expand Children’s Access to Books from Around the World. Retrieved from https://origin-archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla73/papers/105-Weeks-en.pdf