In the beginning, Jane Mirandette?s Biblioteca Movil was decidedly low tech. Indeed, this has been part of the reason for its success. As previously discussed on this blog, relying on a computerized checkout system is difficult in this land of erratic (or no) electricity. The simplicity of the Library in a Box protocol has allowed it to expand rapidly without the headaches that would be generated by supporting a massive technology infrastructure.
But technology remains extremely important to the future of the library. Although it is able to provide basic information services without using computers, it has also begun developing programs that enhance access to computers and the Internet. Nicaraguans throughout the country need access to these powerful new information resources, or they risk being forever stuck on the wrong side of the ?digital divide.?
The library staff is firmly on board with the new emphasis on technology in addition to traditional printed information resources. While discussing the future of the library during our video interviews earlier this week, the staff of the library repeatedly mentioned the importance of Internet access and training in fulfilling the library?s mission.
Mirandette is aware of this need and has actively been taking steps to advance the technology component of the library?s programming. In November, the Biblioteca Movil founded a library in the Escuela San Miguel, a trade school in Cardenes that provides English and computer classes. After an arrangement to receive six donated laptops for technology classes in the library fell through, Mirandette united with Por Fin (At Last), another organization in San Juan del Sur which had developed a small computer lab and training program. The Por Fin project is now working with the Biblioteca Movil to provide technology training and services to the 27 rural communities where library services are currently being offered. The library will begin bringing computers out to the countryside in February after schools return from summer vacation.
Together, the Por Fin and the Biblioteca Movil offer a blockbuster combination of technology and information expertise ? and they are hoping to capitalize on this synergy. They recently applied for an ?Access to Learning? award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is designed to support the expansion of technology access outside of the United States.
I spent a couple of hours last night chatting with Susan Watson, the director of the Por Fin program. Susan is an American, but like Jane she is unpaid and has hired local Nicaraguans to staff the organization.
Frustrated by the frequent power problems at the 12-computer lab near the library, Por Fin has also built a solar powered battery system capable of driving most of the machines. The machines currently do not have Internet access, so the organization has cut a deal to allow students who complete the basic coursework at the center to access the Internet at a nearby Internet caf?. Students will soon be able to use newly-Internet-enabled computers in the Biblioteca itself, and the eventual plan is to provide Internet access in the computer lab.
Courses are offered in the lab six days per week on a variety of computer-related topics. Some are taught by paid instructors, and other instructors are technology students who have agreed to teach in return for access to the computer lab. I am hoping to sit in on a class on Monday, and can then report more on how this works.
Just as the Biblioteca Movil has led the way in providing free and access to printed information resources for all Nicaraguans, it is now moving forward to provide equal access to electronic information. The technology component of the library?s programming is an important new frontier for library services here in Central America.