Libraries Unlimited, Bangladesh

- Opening access to information and knowledge for all in Bangladesh. The Libraries Unlimited (LU) programme seeks to improve public access to information and knowledge, and has been designed based on the findings of the Library Landscape Assessment of Bangladesh study (June 2015). Developed in close partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, LU aims to modernise the public library network, build the capacity of government officers, train library staff, and build public awareness of and access to library and information services. The British Council is implementing this project in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and is supported by the Department of Public Libraries. LU will give millions more people in Bangladesh, including groups such as women, young people out of education and employment, and micro-entrepreneurs, more control over their own lives thus supporting them to achieve their potential through access to a range of user-driven services by: 1. Provide policy and advocacy with local, regional and national government We are developing a shared vision of 21st Century libraries across Bangladesh that embeds the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and provides communities with access to information, knowledge and skills development. 2. Upgrade library facilities We are upgrading ICT facilities and design new layouts to create contemporary multi-usage solutions that provide innovative learning environments. 3. Innovate services and increase library usage rates We are enabling public libraries to provide an increased number of locally-relevant services that meet the needs of their communities, along with a national awareness campaign. 4. Professional development for library practitioners We are training library staff to provide user-centred 21st century services and to become catalysts for change in their community. 5. Monitoring, learning, evaluation and best practice We are establishing national monitoring, learning and evaluation systems for libraries’ development process.