Novateca is a pilot program which during next 2 years will help build 60 new telecentres in Moldova. The telecentres will be based on the public libraries. The public libraries will receive computers and other equipment while local public authorities will assure the well-functioning of the telecentres.

The project is implemented by IREX office in Moldova and is part of the Global Libraries program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Microsoft will make a donation of software to the Moldova library network that is evaluated at 300000 USD.

Gina Hey – the deputy director of the program said that the program supposes not only building of the telecentres, but also a whole strategy to assure the sustainability of them. Like this, throughout the country will be created 5 Regional Training Centers where over 100 librarians will be trained to use the potential of new information technologies.

In 2011 IREX has evaluated in a report the situation and necessities of the public libraries in Moldova. In the report is mentioned that 36% from population, especially from rural area never used Internet. The national mass-media in Moldova mentions that because of actual situation of the public libraries, fewer people than before use their services. A large part of population misses the economic and social benefits of access to the Internet, such as communicating with friends and family, finding employment opportunities and the development of local and global networks focused on cultural, educational, financial and health issues.

Exactly because of this the name of Global Libraries in Moldova is “Novateca”, the name that comes to express the mission of the program to support innovation and change of the existing network of public libraries in Moldova.

More about Global Libraries program in Moldova www.novateca.md.