The Access to Learning Award is given annually in recognition of the innovative efforts of libraries, library agencies and similar organizations outside the United States, to provide free public access to information technology.

…This award does a great service of supporting libraries and other organizations in their efforts to allow people with limited funds and knowledge to gain both access and equity. Projects recognized by this award allow rural and remote people to be as 'information rich' as their city cousins.

• Established and funded by the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation, the Access to Learning Award is part of the foundation's Global Libraries Program.
• The award includes a grant of up to US$1 million to fund innovative programs that help provide free public access to information technology.
• Public libraries, library agencies and similar organizations outside the United Sates are invited to apply.
• Administered by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), it recognizes, in particular, efforts to reach out to underserved populations, such as poor or disabled patrons.
• Award recipients are selected by an international advisory committee of librarians and information technology experts.
• The ward is presented each August during the World Library and Information Congress.
• Previous award recipients include Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha in Bangladesh. The organization was recognized for its pioneering approach to bridging the digital divide. Through the use of indigenous boats converted into mobile libraries, schools, and the Mobile Internet Educational Units on Boats program, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha provides educational services, access to technology, and computer training to poor communities in the Northern Bangladesh watershed. The boats, which anchor at remote villages, rely on generators or solar power and mobile phones for internet access.
  Other award recipients include: The China Evergreen Rural Library Service Center; Proyecto Bibliotecas (Probigua) Guatemala; Bibliored (Bogotá) Colombia, etc.

Access to Learning Award
Council on Library and Information Resources
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Washington, DC 20036
USA

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