Role of Public Libraries in Latvian e-Inclusion Context

Signe Balina, Dr. Oec.PresidentLatvian Information and Communications Technology Association

e-Inclusion Stakeholders in Latvia

874 Libraries – Bridge Between People, Knowledge and Information in LatviaICT in library improves quality of life

Library users survey – winter 2009

Increasing Contribution to e-Inclusion2006 3.02 users’ PCs per library (on

average)

Insufficient number of PCs in 70% of public libraries

63% of the libraries the data transmition speed didn’t meet the users’ needs

2011 6.4 users’ PCs per library (on

average)

77% of library managers find Internet connectivity speed and number of public workstations corresponding to the users’ needs

494 598

16952338 2422

5506 5572

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

The Dynamics of User Computers in Public Libraries

Increasing Contribution to e-Inclusion2006 Wi-Fi was provided only in 13%

of libraries (all of them in Riga district)

46% of population were Internet users

Library was the only Internet access point for 18% of population in Latvia

2011 100% Wi-Fi access in public

libraries

62.5% of population are Internet users (2010)

Library is the only Internet access point for 21% of population in Latvia

2006 - 2012: all 874 public

libraries transformed as modern

information, knowledge and

community centres

Father’s 3rd Son – Largest Investor to Latvian Public Libraries

42% of population are active library customers (2011)

Number of non-users has reduced from 62% (2007) to 9% (2011)

90% of library visitors use the Internet

Libraries in Latvia – Highly Demanded

e-Included at the Library:Story of Aija

http://www.youtube.com/user/Tresaistevadels#p/c/2D7708B8CC799987/6/2RgEoeSEFpY

e-Included at the Library:Story of Matiss

http://www.youtube.com/user/Tresaistevadels#p/c/2D7708B8CC799987/5/qopLmedVl-o

Thank you for the attention!