Libraries Without Borders NCompass Live: Innovating Access to Information Paloma Pradere and Kimmie Ross
Libraries Without BordersNCompass Live: Innovating Access to Information
Paloma Pradere and Kimmie Ross
Table of Contents 1. Libraries Without Borders Mission Statement
2. History of Libraries Without Borders
3. The Ideas Box
4. Revolutionizing education in Burundi
5. Ideas Box locations and programs
6. Meet the KoomBook
7. Methods of Implementation
8. Funding strategy
9. Overview of Impact
10. Where we’re headed next
11. How you can get involved
Libraries Without Borders Mission Statement Mission Statement We believe that libraries are not just collections of books, but connectivity hubs that empower economic and human development and provide people with tools to transform their lives.
We work to:
- Create and support 21st century libraries around the world - Provide access to quality information and education to the most vulnerable populations
We believe:
Free access to information is a fundamental human right
Education, innovation, co-creation, diversity, and lifelong learning are central to the emancipation and the development of human beings and their communities
Programming themes
- Civic Engagement - support literacy rates, education, and community resilience
- Social Entrepreneurship - support professional development
- Humanitarian Crises - disaster relief and psycho-social healing for refugees
History of Libraries Without Borders
● Founded in 2007 in France
● Began work in Haiti
● Earthquake struck in 2010
● Supported educational efforts in post-disaster aid
● Today we’ve grown to global network spanning the United States, Belgium, Canada,
Switzerland, Burundi, and Jordan
● Reached over 1 million people around the world
● Expanding our programming daily
The birth of the Ideas Box● LWB’s first invention
● Created in 2013
● Partnered with UNHCR and Phillipe Starck
● The Ideas Box is an autonomous, portable and customizable pop-up media center and mobile classroom
● First implemented in Burundi
IT module
Library module
Cinema module
Administration module
Tables and furniture
What is the Ideas Box?
What are the goals of the Ideas Box?● Provide a safe space
● Strengthen community bonds
● Support local education efforts
● Reimagine the power of library spaces
Since its founding, LWB has worked in 27 countries and on 4 continents
Where in the world is the Ideas Box?
Domestic Ideas Box Projects
The Bronx Detroit
Our domestic tool: Meet the KoomBook
● Digital library of the future
● Creates an offline Wi-Fi hotspot on which users can connect using
smartphones, tablets, or computers
● Pre-loaded with thousands of educational, cultural and training resources
● Can stream videos via a television or video projector for group activities
● 20 simultaneous users can connect at a time
Domestic KoomBook Programs● White Mountain Apache Reservation, Arizona ● Detroit
Our Strategy
● Finding most vulnerable and under-resourced communities
● Find implementing partners
● Engage sponsors
● Empower local partners to run and sustain programing
Funding strategy● LWB works with partners to organize
funding strategies
● Crowdfunding
● Grants
● Donations
Overview of Impact
● Capacity building
● Literacy and education
● Social entrepreneurship
● Social cohesion
Notable Awards
Where we’re headed next
Ideas Box:
- The Ideas Box 4 Entrepreneurs program in the Ivory Coast - Ideas Box programs planned for Jordan and Lebanon
The KoomBook:
- Expanded programming on Native American reservations - Planned programs for prisons - Planned programs for under-resourced communities in Colorado, Tennessee, and Kentucky
How can you get involved
Support our programs!
Check out our website and donate at http://www.librarieswithoutborders.org!
Stay informed! Follow us on our social media platforms:
- Facebook: Libraries Without Borders - Twitter: @lwbontheweb
Please keep an eye out for our crowdfunding campaign set to launch in late summer/early fall to support our domestic and international programs!
How can you get involved
Calling all Librarians!
Are you a trained Librarian with a degree in Library Sciences interested in influencing developmental aid?
Are you looking to give back to under-resourced communities and play a role in shaping LWB’s future domestic programming?
Please send your Resume/CV to [email protected] to apply to our Librarian Board of Advisors. Start making a difference today!