Davao Public Library enlisted in Gates-funded improvement program

The Davao City Public Library just became the newest member and the only library from SouthEast Asia to be chosen to be part of the Beyond Access Program, according to an article in the Sun Star Davao. 

 

The Beyond Access Program is the initiative of several non-profit organizations from the US and Europe and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to improve public libraries and turn them into public access hubs for information. Other members of this program include libraries and groups from groups from Bhutan, Uganda, Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Nepal, Serbia, Venezuela, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Brazil, and Peru

 

Out of the 120 public libraries in South East Asia, the Davao City Library was selective due to its strong partnership with the community. Unlike other public libraries in country, which deteriorated from neglect and misuse, the Davao City Library is clean, bright, and continues to attract patrons from all over the city and neighbouring areas. In addition to books and periodicals, the Davao City Library has several computer stations where patrons can access the internet for information and there are plans to further renovate the library to include conference rooms for small businesses and start-up companies based in Davao City.

 

Beyond Access is currently being led by the International Research Exchange (IREX), an international non-profit organization that provides innovative programs to improve the quality education, strengthen independent media, and foster pluralistic civil society development.

 

Ari Katz, director of International Research Exchange (Irex), lauded the City library and its librarian for its efforts in Davao City at the I-Speak forum held at City Hall last November 29. "Miss Nora (city librarian) is a perfect example of how library works with government, civil society, and communities. Davao City Public Library is an exemplary of how a public library can be connected with different partners." 

 

No timeline has yet been set on when the program will start but they are in the process of identifying the needs of the Davao City Library. There currently are plans to modernize the library, improve electronic access, and turn it into an “idea space” where students, entrepreneurs, innovators, and the city government can come together, collaborate on projects, and build businesses.

 

Nora Fe Alajar, Davao City Librarian, is happy with the selection and the recognition they received for their efforts. More importantly, she shares that the selection process was also a learning experience about the role of public libraries in society. "It gives me an insight of what a public library should be in the 21st century. Although we have our initiative and innovation, we need improvement to make it more relevant and more developmental thrust," Alajar said.

 

This move aims to bring more Dabawenyos into the library and make it a more relevant part of the city’s public services. Eventually, with the Beyond Access Program, brighter and more innovative ideas will be introduced that will eventually make the Davao City Public Library an integral part in the City’s Development.

 

"In the 21st century, we cannot talk about development, improving people's lives unless we talk about access to information. People need information to improve our lives," Katz said. — TJD, GMA News