Equipping libraries with ICT in Eritrea
It is difficult to overstate the importance of libraries in places where educational resources are a scarce commodity. Libraries provide an invaluable service to people for whom books are considerably beyond their means.
The British Council Eritrea has equipped every school and public library in the country with IT equipment provided by Computer Aid. Not only has this dramatically improved the administrative processes, it has created a means through which digital content can be distributed via CD-ROMs and the Internet. A local Internet Service Provider has also provided free Internet connectivity to participating institutions, allowing users unprecedented access to a wealth of free information.
Through the information dissemination channels created by the British Council, ICTs have significantly broadened the range of content publicly available at libraries. This is revolutionising library use in Eritrea. Libraries are now perceived as resource centres for locally-relevant information, which has lead to a steady rise in the number of people visiting them. Once the domain of students and academics, libraries are now thriving community centres of information for nurses, development practitioners, farmers and agricultural extension workers. The widespread implementation of ICT in Eritrea’s libraries is creating an enduring beneficial effect on local economies and local communities.
Librarian Training Room at the British Council, Asmara, Eritrea
