1. Global Libraries – Recommendations for Leaving the Field Strong National Libraries – New Service Solutions
CDNL - August 22, 2017
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

2. Setting the context
In March 2014, after 20 successful years and more than one billion dollars invested in public libraries, Bill and Melinda Gates decided to bring the Global Libraries program to a close.
Recognizing the importance and impact of the program, including the more than 280 million lives improved, they asked the Global Libraries team to leave the library field strong and exit with grace
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

3. Global Libraries: History
Established in 1997, the Gates Library Foundation implemented the US Library Program and was the foundation’s first strategic area of investment
International efforts began seriously in 2001
By the time we complete the program wind-down in 2018, we will have spent 20 years working in the library field and invested more than $1 billion
Strategy goal:
Strategy goal:
“If you can reach a public library in the United States, you can reach the Internet.”
Improve the lives of one billion information poor by positioning the world’s 320k public libraries as critical community assets and providers of information through relevant programs and services

4. The foundation’s original program has achieved significant impact working through others to focus on:
Improving lives through increased access to resources and opportunities
Stressing aligning library services with community needs.
Raising visibility of libraries as major community assets

5. We are clear about our values.
We value learning, because the knowledge and expertise to transform the field exists everywhere.
We value transformation, because the need for change in our field is imperative and will demand taking risks.
We value collaboration, because the change we wish to make is greater than any one organization can achieve alone.
We value transparency, because open processes result in sustained engagement, trust, and impact.
And we value inclusion because diversity is a source of strength, and listening is a sign of progress.
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |

6. WIND-DOWN STRATEGY
To successfully leave the library field strong and position the field for sustained impact, we look to be as catalytic exiting the field as we were in execution
GL’s strategy goal prior to exit – improving the lives of one billion information poor by and leveraging the original one billion dollar investment became our vision.
We knew it had to happen through the work of key partners who would take on this work.
We selected five partners for this work, with a focus on leadership development, innovation, impact measurement, advocacy and partnership development as well as deepening the impact in key geographies with a focus on Africa
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

7. Key legacy partners © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users
Leading U.S. body providing diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for those interested in the advancement of public library service
Leading research body with a global focus that explores the design, use, and effects of information and communication technologies in communities facing social and economic challenges
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

8. Key legacy partners © Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
AfLIA's mission is to empower the library and information community to actively promote the African development agenda through dynamic services that transform livelihoods.
EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) works with libraries to enable access to knowledge for education, learning, research and sustainable community development. Our vision is a world in which all people have the knowledge they need to achieve their full potential .
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

9. Global Libraries Wind-Down Framework

10. THIS IS THE ASPIRATION The only way it can happen:
Libraries are known and recognized as engines of development and funded as key community assets
The only way it can happen:
A STRONG, UNITED, ALIGNED AND CONNECTED GLOBAL LIBRARY FIELD

11. Global libraries
Recommendations to the field

12. Progress comes from collaboration

14. Change demands developing young leaders

15. Culture of new library leadership
IFLA / OCLC Fellows
Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders, preconference
International Network of Emerging Library Innovators
This is why Africa is GL’s priority. While the need is immense the capacity is ready to meet it.
© Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

16. Support grows through clear alignment with community needs

17. Connecting Africa’s Libraries and Information communities
UN SDGs 17Goals
Connecting Africa’s Libraries and Information communities

18. Show your worth, have proof of impact

20. Develop partnerships at all levels

22. What’s next?
Before we knew Global Libraries was ending, our team set a strategic goal to reach one billion information poor individuals by the year 2030.
Through our work we know that we have directly improved the lives of more than 280 million people across more than 60 countries.
We still believe our goal is achievable. But we now know that it will take all of you, working together, in a unified and aligned way, to reach the next 720 million people.

23. THANK YOU