Beyond Access/IREX Public Libraries project in Nigeria Nkem Osuigwe PhD

Many communities especially in Africa suffer one of the major outcomes of under development which is Lack of employment opportunities This has many multiplier effects including a rise in: -Poverty -Crime

Access to information has been identified as a critical element that drives economic growth and job creation. Beyond being a fundamental human right, access to information supported by technology also has the power to engender better living and support sustainable development.

In many communities, public libraries are the only institutions that give people free access to computers and internet for learning, participation in e-governance and for social interactions. These services and programmes have cast public libraries as unique development partners for economic growth in the present milieu.

Beyond Access/IREX intervention in Nigerian public libraries from 9 libraries 2015 - June 2016 expanded to 70 libraries from 2016 – July, 2017. -Building up the capacity of librarians in the area of digital skills for the purpose of providing sustainable, inclusive access to information communication technologies and 21st century skills. -Beyond Access/IREX partnered with local 2 NGOs and 2 Library Champions

Support finding resources

Digital skills

Digital skills Basic ICT Skills and Library Marketing In Afikpo community of Ebonyi state in Southern Nigeria.

Matching skills with opportunity

1. SKILL SET & ATTITUDINAL CHANGE OF LIBRARIANS OUTCOMES – 1. SKILL SET & ATTITUDINAL CHANGE OF LIBRARIANS Librarians gained more computer skills, became better at advocacy and networking and at managing tech services in the Library even as they got more confident, motivated and satisfied with their jobs

OUTCOMES – 2. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES SERVICES - Skill Acquisition sessions – 26% - Job Search corners – 45.3% - CV Reviews -13% Helping users with business ideas/proposals –23% - Online job search – 30%

OUTCOMES 3 – JOBS & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

OUTCOMES – 4. PARTNERSHIP MOVES The project appears to have strengthened partnership thrusts with health organizations and non-profit bodies. There was a rise of 20% in partnerships between public libraries and business organizations.

SUSTAINIBILITY INDICATORS -93.3% cascaded the Beyond Access/IREX trainings to other Librarians -77% make contacts with other librarians that participated in the program either on weekly or monthly basis

Thank you.