All-Armenian Rural Libraries’ Online Catalog and Librarian Network

PROJECT OBJECTIVE 

The project supports promoting the open Internet by improving access to information and contributing to digital inclusion. While it does not build physical infrastructure, it strengthens the digital framework of rural libraries and invests in human capacity building by training librarians. Essentially, the project acts as a catalyst for digital transformation in rural Armenia, empowering libraries and librarians while contributing to a more inclusive and connected society. Its specific objectives include developing the online catalog, providing librarian access and support, connecting participating libraries to the Internet, and establishing the secure librarian network. This initiative demonstrates its commitment to digital inclusion and the open Internet while also contributing to its capacity-building efforts. 

PROJECT IMPORTANCE 

This online catalog will serve as a centralized repository of book descriptions. With access to this catalog, each librarian can easily download existing book descriptions and quickly add them to their local catalog, drastically accelerating the digitization process. The project also includes establishing a secure librarian network. This network will facilitate seamless collaboration among librarians, allowing them to connect, share resources, and easily contribute new book descriptions to the central catalog if they are not already present. 

By creating this centralized platform and network, the project will significantly expedite the creation of digital libraries, expand access to information for rural communities, and enhance the overall efficiency of rural library services. It directly contributes to bridging the digital divide by providing essential digital resources and tools, fostering digital inclusion by equipping librarians and patrons with necessary resources and skills, and promoting knowledge sharing.