Computers and the Internet are powerful drivers of economic and social progress. Access to these tools and training can help people learn professional skills, search for work, use government services, conduct business online, and exchange ideas with others. But inequity in global access to technology has led to a severe digital divide: Just one person in seven is able to benefit from the opportunities that Internet access can provide.
To address this inequity, the Global Libraries initiative partners with countries emerging from poverty to help public libraries provide free access to computers connected to the Internet and training in how to use them. We also present an annual Access to Learning Award for innovation to a library outside the United States. With our partners, Global Libraries is helping to transform public libraries into vital tools that can help millions of people improve their lives.