More than 1,000 public libraries that were transformed into community centers will provide free training services for persons of different ages and interests, in such fields as digital inclusion, economic development, agriculture, health, family and informal education. It is about the second stage of the nationwide campaign “See you in the library” that was launched by the program Novateca and the Ministry of Culture on March 27, IPN reports.
According to Novateca director Evan Tracz, over 1,000 libraries all over Moldova were outfitted with modern technology during five years, while the librarians were trained how to use these technologies. Starting with this April, the libraries will provide training services, offering the support needed in looking for information on the Internet. Each month will be dedicated to an area, such as health, agriculture or economy.
“We call these services modern because they differ from the services provided traditionally by libraries, of lending books or offering learning space,” stated Evan Tracz.
Within the program, 866 public libraries will be equipped with over 2,800 computers and tablet computers. On October 6, 2015, a Statistics, Research and Development Center was opened at the National Library within the Novateca program. National Library director Elena Pintilei said that the number of visits to libraries, including by children, also increased as a result of improved access to technologies.
Over US$4 million was invested in the outfitting of libraries with IT equipment. The project Novateca is based on the concept of contribution, including by the local authorities.
The second stage of the campaign “See you in the library” will be implemented by October 2017.